Chapter 76 - Hunt (5)

As the energy of her Source pulses, Hazel gains a few short meters, backing away step by step with extreme concentration, her gaze fixed on the creature. But the beast, possessing herculean strength, tears two paws from the mud, signaling a weakening of the Source. A cold sweat breaks out on Hazel’s brow, heralding the imminent danger.

_ Hazel: “ Damn! He’s going to get out sooner than expected! “

As soon as the third leg was withdrawn, Hazel abandoned the operation and bolted at full speed. The release of the final leg, the signal for the assault, heightened the animal's instinct, more determined than ever to catch its prey. A frantic chase begins; the two silhouettes merge into the scenery, punctuated by the rhythmic splashing of puddles. Veering off the main path, Hazel plunges into thorn-filled bushes. He struggles, dodging the thorns as best he can, but the repeated gashes upon his skin torture him from within. The creature, indifferent to suffering, dogs his heels without fail, ignoring the thorns that lacerate its flesh. As the distance gradually closed, observed with bitterness from the corner of his eye, his confidence dwindled. With short breath and a clenched jaw, a dark thought emerged within him.

_ Hazel: “ I can’t hold on any longer… I think this is the end for me… ”

Thinking all hope was lost, a granite wall loomed up, forming one final obstacle. The beast, in a surge of rage and a defiant roar, threw itself against it, shattering it upon impact; but the violence of the assault threw it off balance, and it collapsed under a fresh volley of thorns.

_ Ayden: “ Hold on to me and keep running! “

The escape continues immediately, with an arm over the shoulder for stability, outdistancing the hyena which is still lying down. In this surge, amidst the heavy atmosphere, a sound emits.

_ Hazel: “ How did you know I was here? ” he asked, struggling to catch his breath.

_ Ayden: “ I ran into Kona on my way back; she said you were pinning the animal down, but that you couldn't hold it for much longer. As I got closer and didn't see anyone, I figured you must have strayed from the main path. ”

_ Hazel: “ You said ‘coming back.’ You turned around on purpose. But why? Going back into the lion's den is suicide. ”

_ Ayden: “ Because I knew you and Kona were in deep shit. ”

A gaze lingers on me.

_ Hazel: " But... how...? "

_ Ayden: " We'll have time to argue about it later, just keep running. "

Emerging from that hellish maze, we headed back onto the main path, the view having cleared. Suddenly, a silhouette also emerged from the scenery.

_ Maïko: “ Ayden! Hazel! ”

_ Hazel: “ Maïko! ”

_ Ayden: “ I see you’re unscathed. Good. ”

_ Maïko: “ It’s easier to coax an animal than a human being. ”

Without breaking stride, their pupils dilate instantly.

_ Maïko : " Oh no, you're hurt all over, Hazel! "

_ Hazel : " Don't worry, they're all superficial. "

_ Ayden : " Our pursuers won't be long. Let’s keep up this pace. "

On the other bank of the bridge, the orphans’ impatience grows, each passing minute weighing heavier on the wait. The air vibrates with tension, until a silhouette emerges to break the silence.

_ Shailly & Kaya & Son: “ Kona! Over here! ”

A sigh of relief mingles with their labored breathing. However, a second silhouette arrives to shatter the moment.

_ Kaya: " Behind you! "

The woman in question pivots suddenly, her pupils dilating in shock.

_ Edna: “ Shut up, we can hear you from here. “

Despite the scars that mark her entire body, she demonstrates her inner strength to the orphans, an unfailing tenacity.

_ Kona: " I would have preferred to see a different face. I truly hope the others will make it. "

A voice rose, breaking her train of thought.

_ Kaya: " What are you waiting for? Hurry up and cross! "

_ Kona: " But the others aren't here yet! "

_ Kaya: " You can't all cross at the same time; the bridge might collapse. So come on! "

Forced into conviction, resignation takes hold.

_ Kona: " All right! "

Edna, standing quite close to the bridge, takes in the scene. Impassive, she draws nearer, distractedly turning her gaze away. Suddenly, standing right next to the orphan, she violently grabbed her hair as the other children watched in shock.

_ Kona: " What’s gotten into you?! "

_ Edna: " If for any reason this bridge gives way, I’m taking you down with me. "

Outraged by the gesture, rage builds within everyone.

_ Shailly: “ Kona!! ”

_ Kaya: “ Stop it!! “

_ Son: “ Get off her this instant!! ”

Indifferent to the order, she gave a wicked smile in response.

_ Edna: “ I still haven't gotten over your bitchy moves, so… "

Then he meets the gaze of his new hostage, his expression unchanged.

_ Edna: “ You’re going to move forward for me, okay? "