Chapter 186 - Leaving the warehouse
The warehouse was quiet, except for the faint sound of tape being torn and the rustle of fabric as the group prepared. Everyone had strapped themselves in tightly with extra bedding, bed sheets, and even cardboard boxes.
Hana’s body was cocooned like a clumsy present, cardboard wrapped around her arms and chest, her fingers barely visible.
She stared at her bandaged hand, turning it around slowly, then leaned forward and attempted to bite it.
Her teeth only made a small dent on the padding. She blinked, then grinned, proud.
"Awesome," she whispered to herself.
From across the room, Qiu Yue watched her with a mix of exasperation and quiet amusement. He let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. "I still can’t understand," he muttered, "why the hell are we leaving the warehouse in a hurry? That kid’s grandpa is coming, right? He’s like, what, an hour away? Why risk going out now?"
Yunfeng turned his head, tightening the straps on his own makeshift armor. His voice was calm but tinged with tension. "They don’t have powers," he said. "And... the route passes through the zoo area."
At that single word—zoo—Jai froze. His body began to tremble violently, eyes wide, chest heaving as if memory alone had sunk sharp claws into his spine.
Seeing his adverse reaction Qiu Yue furrowed his brows. "The zoo?" he asked slowly, his voice almost mocking. "What’s in the zoo? Monkeys?" He pointed casually to the tiny monkey clutched in the little girl’s arms.
"No," Yunfeng said quietly, almost too softly to hear. "Much worse. We’re not even sure what it is. But it’s huge... and powerful. I don’t want to face that thing."
His hand found Muchen’s cheek, cupping it gently. Muchen leaned into the touch without a word. Yunfeng’s other hand brushed against his belly, protective, tender.