a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

310: The hidden prince of lions

The hallways seemed to be endless. A few minutes have gone by, and yet Mellano didn\'t seem to show any signs of stopping. Moulin sensed the cautious and suspicious looks from the men with him. They, too, were beginning to question Mellano\'s intentions. They feared that at any moment, guards would be swarming around them, and they would be done for without accomplishing anything.

Mellano spoke that they were currently located within the Royal Wing. The very name of it arose the wariness of the people following Mellano, especially Emlen. If they were indeed inside such part of the castle, wouldn\'t it be more dangerous for them? Emlen couldn\'t bear to be silent any longer and gave Moulin a stern look. The little brother drew his brows together before nodding with a sigh. Moulin turned to Mellano\'s back.

\'\' Where are you taking us?\'\'

Mellano stilled, surprised by the sudden question after the long minutes of silence. The servant turned to him but kept walking. He had already sensed that Moulin and others\' looks of distrust were stabbing him behind his head. \'\' The Slaughter room where your people might be held. Please, trust me.\'\'

Moulin only looked at him. Something was probing him from the back of his mind about this unfamiliar young man. \'\' Why do you want to help us?\'\'

Although Moulin was facing his back, he could tell how the question affected Mellano from the sudden jolt of his shoulders. When he thought Mellano wouldn\'t answer his question, the young servant spoke.

\'\'Because... I know-\'\'

All of a sudden, a loud noise came from afar. Its echoes reached Moulin and the group, making them stop guardedly. The sound of numerous rapid footsteps and harsh commands.

\'\'!!!\'\'

Mellano felt cold sweat on his back as he stepped back. He quickly turned to the Moulin and the other, gesturing them to follow him as he turned right to a corner. Moulin and the others quickly ran after him, hearing as the group of orcan guards began their search in the hallways. No, they refused to be caught now. If there were no other way, then they would fight. Their only hope now was to follow Mellano until they arrived in someplace hidden. Hopefully, they were able to avoid the guards when they reached this particular slaughter room.

\'\'Stop!\'\' Mellano abruptly said, stopping before a corridor. They leaned against the wall beside a corner of another hallway. Guards were approaching the hallways at their right and left. They couldn\'t go back, for there were another group of orcs heading to their location. Stuck between the cross intersection of the hallways.

Moulin swallowed. The rapid pounding of his heart felt like they would burst out of his chest. The only way left was... ahead. But even if they did, the orcs would discover them nevertheless. As heavy footsteps drew nearer, unrest surged inside Moulin and the rest of the men.

\'\'There\'s no other way...\'\' Mellano muttered. His eyes, surprisingly filled with determination, stared at the hallway ahead of them. \'\' We have to run north.\'\'

\'\'Are you insane?\'\' One of the men spoke.

Moulin looked at them coldly. \'\'Nonetheless, we will still be discovered.\'\'

His silver eyes then turned to Mellano. His pupils gleamed with trust. \'\'Let\'s go.\'\'

All objections were silenced. And in the next instant, they hastily crossed the hallway, running as fast as they could. Their steps weren\'t as quiet as they should be. Thus, the groups of orcan guards approaching from either side of the hallway spotted them quickly.

\'\'There they are! After them!\'\'

Afterward, a horde of orcs chased the intruders within a single hallway. Their claws extended, sharp as a blade. They were quick on their feet as they gave chase.