Chapter 200 - 199: I wasn’t Lost
After a moment of crying and whispered reassurances, the woman finally composed herself and turned her head toward Rex. Her eyes, still glassy with tears, now held a fire that hadn’t been there before. The transformation was so sudden, so complete, that even Rex found himself momentarily stunned. Just moments ago, she had been a crying mother, fragile and trembling. Now, she stood like a queen surveying her battlefield, every trace of softness replaced with razor-sharp resolve. Her voice cut through the air, crisp and commanding.
"Put your guns away" she ordered her men, her tone leaving no room for argument. Even though the guns were now lowered, they weren’t holstered. The guards still held them loosely in their hands, fingers close to the trigger, eyes sweeping the scene like hawks. A few of them continued to cast cautious glances at Rex, their wariness not yet fully dispelled. no room for argument. "Can’t you see the situation?"
The black-clad guards froze for a fraction of a second before snapping into motion. They obeyed immediately, stepping back and buckling their weapons in perfect sync, though a few still cast tense glances at Rex and his men. Some bowed their heads slightly—whether out of shame, submission, or perhaps sheer embarrassment, Rex couldn’t quite tell.
Victor and Kaalan exchanged quick glances, clearly still tense. Their eyes flicked from the guards to Rex, then to the woman and Arabella—trying to piece it together. Rex gave a small nod, more confident this time. That was all it took. They eased their stances, putting their weapons away with practiced caution, though their eyes kept sweeping the perimeter. Just in case.
The woman stood upright again, keeping Arabella close, her fingers gently curled around the girl’s hand. With graceful strides, she walked toward Rex. Every step she took was calm, but purposeful. Her presence, now that she wasn’t crying, was even more striking.
"Thank you," she said softly, though her voice carried undeniable authority. There was a weight in those two words—something raw and genuine beneath the poise. "I don’t even know how to—"
Rex shook his head and offered a wry half-smile. "It’s alright. Anyone would’ve done the same."
Arabella clearly disagreed.
"Mom! He’s like the superhero you told me about!" she chirped, tugging on her mother’s coat with one hand while waving the other dramatically. "He came zoom! Then boom! Then—dishoom! Schoom! Just like the movies!"