a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

295: The plan

The silence sank like a metal orb plunging into the deepest depths of the ocean. Moulin could feel the tension around him as soon as Nhero's words fell.

Nhero's gaze didn't falter as numerous pairs of eyes were gazing at him. He felt the uncertain and disbelieving stares of most people around him. However, he wasn't waiting for their response. It was the man bearing fierce golden eyes whose response Nhero was anxiously waiting for. He forced himself to keep his gaze raise and ignore the uneasy stares of his men. He was doing this for them... And the miserable people in Gaclan base.

"Tsk..." Emlen was the first to break the silence. He raised his hand to knead his forehead. The situation is beginning to become more complicated. They were wasting time. However, they couldn't leave the survivors in the hands of those brutes. They have to be rescued.

Emlen's grey eyes darkened. With a frown, he spoke. "Where are they?"

Nhero exhaled slowly and said. "They're kept in the cells of the slaughter room. I am knowledgeable of the fortress's floor plan. I can take you to them and help them escape."

"How do you know they've not been eaten?" Jagra stepped forward with a suspicious gaze. He ignored the stares directed to him.

Nhero paused. "The orcs would only taste... human flesh in the third night. We have two days left... It will be enough if we hurry." He explained. "I will swear on my life that they will not be harmed..."

"You should watch your words..." Hadrian finally spoke. His eyes are striking, piercing into the soul of the bearded leader of the thieves. "For if any part of your story is false, it won't be only your head that will wait for the swing of my sword. Keep your word."

Nhero unconsciously clenched his fists. He resisted the urge to cower under the mighty are emanating from the man before him. He felt as though he would lose his life if he lowered his guard a bit. The golden-eyed man's stare felt heavy and oppressing.

"Yes..." He choked out.

Hadrian narrowed his gaze before turning around. Moulin was there to catch his dark look, but the youth didn't waver.

Moulin furrowed his brows. "Perhaps, we'll be successful, and the time we'd lost will be worth it. There is no one else to save them aside from us..."

"Mn..." Hadrian nodded in agreement.

As the men prepared themselves for the mission, some of the captives, Nhero mentioned, were released. However, they were subjected to the heavy gazes of Hadrian's men. They didn't dare make any suspicious moves and only heeded Nhero's orders with lowered heads. Not long after, they surrounded the pit, staring down at the dreadful darkness of the depths.

Emlen pulled Moulin beside him, anxious for his brother's safety. He turned to Moulin with a wrinkled forehead. He spoke, "I feel like I am at fault for bringing you along with this dangerous mission."

Moulin looked at his brother and softened his eyes. "Don't worry, brother. I will be alright. We will succeed."

Emlen drew his eyebrows together for a few seconds before turning away with flushed ears. Why was he the one being comforted?

Moulin only revealed a fond smile as he held his brother's hand.

"Let's go," Nhero said before he and his men jumped down the pit.

Their figures fell into the depths, and there was not another sound as they fell. Hadrian's men looked at the pit cautiously. Nevertheless, they obeyed Hadrian's order and followed after. Ghana was one of the first to jump down after sending Jagra and Moulin a confident wink.