Chapter 23: Lothryn Forest (2)
"You... you're not really bandits, are you?" Jess muttered, her legs trembling. She glanced around and saw her people nearly subdued. Some had been killed at the start, while the rest were being captured and bound.
"What gave it away?" The leader smirked knowingly. He didn't seem to care if the cat woman figured it out—they weren't leaving here alive anyway.
It was a shame, but that was the way of the world. Some had the power and resources to do whatever they pleased, and others simply suffered for it.
"Why are you doing this? Who sent you?" Jess demanded though she knew fighting him was pointless. Their brief exchange made it clear—the man was far stronger than any common thief or bandit.
"Ah, I'm afraid I can't tell you the who," the man replied with a polite smile, stepping forward in a blur. "But you'll find out the why soon enough." Before she could react, he appeared right in front of her and struck her, knocking her unconscious.
......
"Ugh..." Jess groaned as she slowly regained consciousness, her head pounding. She blinked, trying to clear her blurred vision. As her surroundings came into focus, the memory of what had happened rushed back.
"Wait—!" She sat up abruptly, scanning the area. She was still in the clearing. Craters and scars marred the ground, evidence of the fierce battle that had taken place.
"Finally awake," the man's voice rang out, familiar and loathsome. Jess turned toward him, her heart sinking.
Her eyes widened in horror as she saw the remaining members of her party. They were tied up, forced to their knees, with captors standing ominously behind them.
"No..." she whispered, her voice trembling. She already knew what was coming. "Don't do this! What did we ever do to you?!" Jess cried out, struggling against her bindings.