Chapter 290 Escape
Joy pointed to a pile of rocks near the trees. "I’ll throw one to distract them. When they go check it out, we’ll run for the gate. Don’t stop. Don’t look back."
Kyra’s heart pounded in her chest as she crouched, ready to sprint. Joy picked up a rock, tossed it hard, and it landed with a thud on the other side of the clearing. The guards turned instantly, moving toward the noise.
"Now!" Joy grabbed her arm.
They ran, feet pounding against the ground as they raced toward the gate. For a brief moment, the fog seemed to protect them, but then one of the creatures turned back. Its eyes locked onto them, and it let out a deafening roar.
"They’ve seen us!" Kyra gasped, pushing herself to run faster.
"Keep going!" Joy shouted.
The ground shook as the creature barreled toward them. Kyra’s legs burned, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Just as it was about to catch up, Kyra felt a faint spark inside her. Desperate, she thrust her hand toward the creature, sending a weak pulse of thunder energy. It hit the beast’s chest, causing it to stumble.
"Go!" Joy yelled.
They sprinted towards the towering gate, the high wall of marble looming before them like their last chance at survival. Joy leapt up, his hands gripping the heavy latch as he pulled the gate open with all his strength. Kyra didn’t hesitate, dashing through the opening just as the monstrous creatures reached them. With a grunt, Joy slammed the gate shut, the thunderous sound of it echoing as the monsters clawed and scratched at the gate. But they couldn’t get through.
Kyra collapsed to the ground, her body trembling from the adrenaline and exhaustion. She gasped for air, her mind barely registering that they had made it out. Joy knelt beside her, his honey-colored eyes wide with relief, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We did it," he whispered, his voice soft and sweet but filled with pride.
However, before they could relax, the gate they thought was locked creaked open. A tall horned monster stepped out, his eyes burning with rage, glowing an eerie red. He growled, his massive form blocking the only way out. Without a word, he grabbed Joy by the throat, lifting him off the ground like he was nothing. Kyra screamed as the monster’s razor sharp claws thrust deep into Joy’s stomach to his back, the sound of tearing flesh followed by Joy’s agonized cry filling the air.
"NO!" Kyra’s eyes widened in horror as blood spilled from Joy’s mouth. His once-bright honey eyes dimmed, the light fading as pain twisted his features.