Chapter 77
FATIMA’S POV
Fatima’s heart raced in her chest, thudding so hard she thought it might break free. The image of Chris chained and bleeding haunted her. She felt his pain like it was her own, and she couldn’t sit still any longer.
“We need to go now!” she demanded, glaring at Jake. Her eyes were wild with desperation, but behind them was a fire that refused to be extinguished.
Jake, who had been arguing with her moments ago, softened as he looked at her. He nodded. “Alright. We leave now. I’ll take a few of my men—this could get ugly.”
Selena stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Fatima’s shoulder. “I’m coming too. We’ll need all the help we can get, and I know these caves better than anyone.”
Fatima took a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you,” she whispered, meeting Selena’s gaze. “I can’t do this without you.”
Jake’s expression hardened. “Let’s move. Every second we waste is another second Chris is in danger.”
Fatima nodded, and they all hurried to the door. Priscilla met them there, looking exhausted but determined. Her arms cradled the tiny bundles of her newborns. She placed a protective amulet in Fatima’s hand—a gift from Selena. “This might not be your style, but it can still protect you. Please, bring him back,” Priscilla said, her voice laced with worry.
Fatima squeezed her friend’s hand. “I promise.”
Priscilla took a step back, her gaze lingering on them. “And be careful. Jena’s cunning. She won’t play fair.”
Fatima nodded, giving her a reassuring smile before turning to join the others. It was a silent promise between them: they would each fight their own battles, no matter the cost.
\---
The fog clung to the group as they approached the entrance of the cave, swirling in a way that made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. Fatima’s heart pounded, every instinct screaming that Chris was inside, hurting and scared.
“He’s here,” she said quietly, her voice laced with desperation.
Jake signaled for his men to fan out, their expressions tense and focused. “Stay close to us,” he warned, giving Fatima a protective look. “This place reeks of a trap.”
Selena nodded in agreement, scanning their surroundings. “Jena might not be here, but she’s definitely left something behind.”
Fatima’s fists clenched. “I don’t care what she’s done. I’m getting Chris back.”
They moved into the cave, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and something metallic—blood. The walls seemed to pulse with an eerie light, casting long shadows that danced and flickered.
“Stay sharp,” Jake murmured, gripping his sword tightly. “This place doesn’t feel right.”
Fatima’s head snapped up as she heard a faint whisper, almost like Chris’s voice. It was a broken, painful sound that made her chest ache. “He’s calling for me,” she whispered, her eyes wide with fear.
The group pushed deeper into the cave, their footsteps echoing ominously. Suddenly, Selena paused, holding up her hand. “Wait. There’s someone ahead.”
They turned the corner to find Chris, slumped against a rock, his wrists chained above his head. His face was bruised, and he looked barely conscious. Fatima’s breath caught in her throat.
“Chris!” she cried out, rushing forward. She dropped to her knees in front of him, gently cupping his face in her hands. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”
His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, a weak smile crossed his lips. “Fatima... I knew you’d come.”
Jake stepped forward, slicing through the chains with a swift strike of his sword. “We don’t have much time. We need to get out of here before Jena’s lackeys show up.”
Selena scanned the cave entrance, her eyes narrowing. “Too late. We’ve got company.”
Dark figures emerged from the shadows, snarling and baring their fangs. They were Jena’s followers, and their eyes glinted with malice as they moved closer.
“You really thought you could sneak in here and take him back?” one of them taunted, stepping forward. His voice was a low growl, filled with menace.
Jake stood protectively in front of Chris and Fatima, his sword raised. “Stand back,” he ordered his men. “I’ll handle this.”
Fatima helped Chris to his feet, her arm wrapped tightly around his waist. “Just lean on me,” she whispered. “We’re getting you out of here.”
Chris gave a weak nod, his grip on her shoulder tightening. “I’m sorry,” he rasped. “I should’ve seen this coming.”
“Don’t apologize,” Fatima snapped. “We don’t have time for that. Just focus on staying upright.”
The first attacker lunged at Jake, but he was ready. With a swift strike, he cut the man down, his expression a mask of cold fury. “No one touches my pack,” he growled.
Selena darted forward, landing a kick that sent another attacker sprawling to the ground. “We need to get out now!” she shouted, blocking another strike with her arm.
Fatima held Chris close, pulling him back as Jake and Selena fought off the wave of attackers. The sounds of metal clashing and bodies hitting the ground filled the cave, echoing in the confined space.
“We can’t keep this up!” Jake yelled, glancing back at them. “Fatima, take Chris and go! We’ll cover you.”
Fatima’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but she nodded. “Come on,” she whispered to Chris, guiding him toward the cave’s exit. He stumbled, but she caught him, refusing to let him fall.
They burst out of the cave into the cold night air, the fog swirling around them like a cloak. Fatima glanced back just in time to see Jake and Selena emerge, panting but unharmed.
“Keep moving!” Jake barked, motioning for his men to follow. “This isn’t over. Jena’s going to know we took him.”
Fatima turned to Chris, cupping his face with both hands. “Are you okay? Can you make it?”
He nodded weakly, his eyes filled with gratitude. “I’m okay, thanks to you.”
Jake sheathed his sword, giving Fatima a small, proud smile. “You did good,” he said. “But we need to get back. This was just the beginning.”
Selena gave Fatima a supportive nod. “You were incredible in there.”
Fatima managed a small smile, her heart still racing. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you two.”
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