Chapter 311: Bastard Helstorm
Elias, noticing Orion’s ominous smirk directed straight at him, visibly shivered and quickly stepped backward, raising his hands defensively.
Panic began to color his voice as he anxiously protested, "Wait, Orion—why are you looking at me like that? You’re not seriously thinking...?"
Orion’s grin widened even more as he took a step toward Elias and confidently placed a hand over his trembling shoulder.
His voice was both soothing and persuasive, though his eyes gleamed mischievously. "Well, Elias, wouldn’t you want to help these poor, kidnapped children? Think about it, their helpless faces, their terrified eyes."
Elias hesitated visibly, eyes flickering uncertainly between Orion’s wicked smirk and the sorrowful expressions on the faces of the two mature Tigerkin women.
His initial resistance softened as guilt slowly crept into his heart. After a tense moment, he finally sighed, shoulders drooping slightly in resignation, yet his voice was firm and honorable as he spoke, "I suppose you’re right. What kind of man would I be if I refused to help save those poor kids?"
Orion’s mischievous expression immediately softened into a genuine, approving smile, gently squeezing Elias’s shoulder encouragingly. "See? That’s the Elias I know, brave and honorable. Now, here’s what we’ll do..."
***
Elsewhere, on a rough dirt road winding through the vibrant, autumn-colored forest, a simple yet sturdy carriage rattled and jolted as it moved along uneven terrain.
At the back of the carriage sat a large iron cage, its bars rusted and cold, enclosing several frightened Tigerkin children whose ears flattened nervously against their heads, their small tails curled anxiously around themselves.