Predator

28

The mercenaries reacted faster than she did. The moment Amelia jumped out, they strategically surrounded the obviously startled elephant. Some held spears, others lifted hunting rifles. K stood not far from the encirclement, holding a sharp machete, ready to reap the valuable prize at any moment.

Just like in her nightmare, the greedy hunters eyed the ivory, and the prey had nowhere to escape, crying out in despair.

"Too bad the tusks are a bit short today, but they'll do."

The elephant's short tail swished nervously, its massive body swaying clumsily. Fear and panic were etched in its eyes. Its tusks pointed forward, seeking a breakthrough to escape the encirclement.

"Liam," K called from outside the group, generously gesturing towards Amelia. "It's yours."

The girl widened her tear-filled eyes. Her hands gripped the spear tightly, but Liam's larger hand enveloped hers, guiding the spear slowly upward.

"No..."

Even when being bullied on the bed, Amelia had never begged like this. "Liam, please."

"Let it go, okay?"

For humans, ivory was merely an ornament, extracted by tearing open a living creature's brain. No matter how vast the world, there were always humans coveting and slaughtering. Where could it escape?

Liam's dark eyes were deep and unreadable. He leaned down, his hot breath in her ear. "Let go."

Almost the instant Amelia's grip loosened, the spear flew—

She only heard the sound of wind whistling and the dull thud of the spearhead piercing.

Liam pulled Amelia into his arms, shielding her from the agonized cries of the elephant.

"It was me, not you."

You're still innocent.

The girl struggled with all her strength, using her hands, feet, and even her teeth to bite through the thin fabric and draw blood from the man.

"Fxxk you!"

"Bastard! Beast!"

Her eyes were full of hatred, as if she wanted to tear Liam apart. She reached for the hunting rifle slung across his back.

Afraid it might go off, Liam twisted the barrel away with one hand.

Amelia seized the moment to break free. She ran towards the wounded elephant in Liam's furious gaze.

She stood in front of it, blocking the mercenaries' spears and guns, only inches away.

"Bang—"

With a gunshot, warm elephant blood splattered all over Amelia's face.

There was a heavy thud behind her, shaking the ground.

She didn't dare turn around.

Liam's rifle still smoked, slightly raised.

"Amelia, come here."