The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1117

Chapter 1117

On the outskirts of the village, Draven had his crew ready the dynamite as the approaching group neared, his hand hovering over a detonator. It was at this moment, however, that a familiar, grumbling voice cut through the tension. "Why pick such a godforsaken place? If we can't find anyone, might as well blow it all to kingdom come!" Leopold's voice came, laced with frustration.

Draven paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as he set aside his tools and stepped outside.

The rustling in the woods immediately drew Leopold's attention. He had just drawn his knife when Draven emerged from the treeline.

"Jesus, is that you, kid?" Leopold exclaimed, relief washing over him as he recognized Draven. "I was this close to turning you into a pincushion. You gotta be more careful!"

Draven just stared, feeling a shiver run down his spine at Leopold's tone, which had taken on an eerie quality after spending too much time with his wife.

Ignoring Leopold's ramble, Draven scanned the area behind him.

"What're you looking for?" Leopold asked, puzzled.

"Is it just you guys? Didn't run into anyone else on the way here?"

Leopold was taken aback by the barrage of questions. "Who else would bother coming to this dump? No, we didn't see a soul."

Reassured, Draven led Leopold back to their base, only for Leopold to almost have a heart attack at the sight of the explosives aimed in their direction.

funeral?" Leopold yelled, prompting Draven's men to quickly redirect the explosives. Draven grimaced.

he supposed, especially when allegiances could shift as easily as the wind. Percival chimed

Leopold looked at Draven. "So, what's

then

usual tranquility of the village had been shattered by an unexpected turn of events. Mayor Thompson stood, petrified, as Vivienne approached, her gaze so intense it nearly knocked him off

he weighed nothing, then rounded up the others, tossing them into

Mayor Thompson was thrown in, a protective formation they'd relied on was

assaulting Vivienne with a ferocity that belied their undead nature,

an equal in this

powers coming to the fore as she identified their weaknesses, exploiting them with her abilities. Soon, the

into darkness, the villagers too terrified to investigate the source of the lightning that lit up the night sky from the mountaintop. Percival, having dealt with his own obstacles, met up with Draven and Leopold as they

where's Vivienne?" Leopold asked, anxiety creeping

the mountain, "She's up there,

the ominous weather on the mountaintop hinted at the turmoil

Vivienne doing?" Leopold gasped at the scale of the battle

Leopold, Percival raced up

find Vivienne dispatching the last of the shadows, the formation now useless.

Vivienne took a step forward only

"Vivienne!" Percival shouted.

met theirs, sending a chill down

"Vivienne!"