Chapter 184
Behind me, shouts and curses erupted as the gang re-focused their attention on me, their initial shock filled with growing anger. I threw a punch at Oliver as he attempted to flank me, landing a solid hit to his side. But his return swing barely missed my head.
"Stop her!" Kyler bellowed, grabbing a nearby crate to use as a shield, attempting to close the distance. It was a desperate move, and I could see the frustration brewing in his eyes; they were quickly losing control of the situation.
I sidestepped the wooden crate as it flew toward me, my heart hammering in my chest. The griffons shrieked from their cages, I couldn’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers. With another flick, I unlocked a nearby cage, and the griffons took flight, soaring into the dimly lit space.
They collided with the steel bars, their wings flapping furiously as they regained their balance. Their outburst confused the group, momentarily distracting them, giving me just the opening I needed.
I used the moment to dart between the cages, my hands working deftly to free the beasts trapped inside. I was almost about to free at least ten more cages when a loud sound rang out.
Bang!
Everyone went still when they heard the sharp crack of gunfire echoing through the dimly lit hideout.
"My, my~ How did you get in here, young lady?" A smooth, mocking voice rang in the air, slithering around us like smoke. I turned to look toward the entrance corridor and saw a man stepping into view, casually holding a pistol in one hand, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief.
That’s when I felt a warm trickle run down my arm. I glanced down and realized that my right shoulder was bleeding, the red seeping through my shirt and staining my skin.
"Looks like someone has been playing hero," the man continued, his voice dripping with disdain. He took a step closer, eyes gleaming with predatory hunger as he surveyed the scene before him—freed creatures rushing in all directions, the desperate guys scrambling to regain control. "But this little mission of yours ends here."
Jaxon Kade. The most wanted man in the area, infamous for his ruthless poaching operations. I glared at him, fury boiling within me, refusing to back down.