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.

hell! Were you planning a welcome party or a funeral?" Leopold yelled, prompting Draven's men to quickly redirect

retort. Nothing was impossible, he supposed, especially when allegiances

thoughts, Leopold looked at Draven.

hesitated, then

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

a swift motion, Vivienne lifted Mayor Thompson with one hand as if he weighed

was broken, unleashing dark shadows that lacked

a ferocity that belied

an equal in this

their weaknesses, exploiting them with her abilities. Soon, the ground was littered with the remnants of

source of the lightning that lit up the night sky from the mountaintop.

creeping into his

towards the mountain, "She's

on the mountaintop hinted at

is Vivienne doing?" Leopold gasped at

raced

shadows, the formation now useless. She stood, back to

storm's center, Vivienne took a step forward only

"Vivienne!" Percival shouted.

theirs, sending a chill down their

"Vivienne!"