Ashrain

31. Last Resort

Hongjoong flinched at every movement in the tall grass. The door leading to safety seemed so close and yet so far, and the dips and valleys of the terrain slowed their advance for it. With the gigantic cat out of commission, other predators thought twice before challenging the steel of Yunho's swords, but their watchful eyes stuck to the injured group and the delicious scent they left behind.

They were about to climb the last hill leading to the stairs to flee this horrid place when something darted in front of them. On instinct, Seonghwa stretched his arm out in front of Hongjoong and pushed him back. Startled, Hongjoong dipped into his side.

Swords lifted in defence, Yunho took their lead again. The group faced the wounded crown prince and two of his guards that had survived the massacre. They supported his swaying body as he balanced on one leg. His injury had been patched up by a white bandage that was partly soaked. The barbed arrow must have left a gaping wound.

Pale and with sweat glistening on his forehead, Jongho stared them down. His full lips in doll-like features snarled at their poor attempt at an escape.

"You again," Yunho spat. The added opportunity to kill Jongho inflamed his greed for blood. Seonghwa and Mia nervously pressed against Hongjoong, afraid of the prince's might.

"My father may not acknowledge the work of my lifetime, but I won't let you steal from me without reaction! I won't let my most priced possession go!"

"He is not your possession," Yunho growled, body tensing as he prepared to strike.

Pale, Seonghwa watched as the scene unfolded. No soothing touch Hongjoong squeezed to his side could shake him out of his trance.

"My father can't hate me after I killed you," Jongho shot back. His trembling hand stretched out for them, demanding for his guards to detain the centaurs and take down Hongjoong. In shock, Hongjoong watched how Jongho pulled a knife from his belt to defend himself and backed his two men up.

Yunho instantly fell into a whirl of crossing blades with the two men. Hongjoong squeaked when Seonghwa grabbed for his arm roughly and yanked him on his dirt-covered back. He grunted under the added weight but withstood the pain as he made for the door. His fingers clutched to Hongjoong's in front of his stomach as they raced away from the banging of swords and armour that sent the animals of the zoo skittering off.

When Hongjoong checked on their side, he found Jongho ignored his injured leg with gritted teeth to leap at them. The knife was stretched out for Hongjoong's leg and Seonghwa's sensitive side. The glinting tip promised pain upon impact.

"Seonghwa, watch out!" Hongjoong yelled, trying to shift his leg to cover most of Seonghwa's side.

Seonghwa whirled around, four legs dancing a complicated dance as his grip on Hongjoong tightened. The next moment, his upper body lifted and Hongjoong had to stretch along with him to accommodate the angle.

The centaur's front hooves rose off the ground when he reared. Hongjoong squeezed to his back, eyes pinched shut as he fastened to Seonghwa with all four limbs. Through his cheek, he felt the centaur's heartbeat hammering away. Lifeless hair tickled his forehead.

With a sickening thud, Seonghwa's hoof connected with a bone. Hongjoong peered up in time to see it hit Jongho's forehead and leave a gaping gash. The prince collapsed, either unconscious or dead, with a fractured skull. The useless knife skittered from his hands.

Seonghwa dropped and Hongjoong knocked his cheek against his shoulder blade, but he survived. With a wildly beating heart, he straightened. Shock petrified his limbs and rendered them frozen around Seonghwa.

Yunho dropped the second guard and rushed over to them. On his way, he took Seonghwa's hand and pulled him along. He had collected Mia, who had stood forlornly next to the battle, and all three of them struggled up the stairs while Hongjoong held on for dear life.