Sand Scented Jar (Gazellian Series #9)

Chapter 43

Dedicated to: Irish (Thank you so much for attending our TOS meet and greet event! )

Chapter 43: Iron Grasp

If this was just waiting for the winner between Elena and her opponent as the sand continued to flow from the holes in the wall that would bury us alive— then it wouldn't be challenging.

I couldn't even imagine someone as clever as Danna who's been known for taking risky adventures not just with Father but with King Raheem would just idly watch, sitting on the sands as Father theatrically showed everyone his impossible defeat.

The owner of the House of Pleasure and the prince he was talking about who caused havoc years ago was my father. I wouldn't blame that owner if my existence in this district reminded him of my father— after all an apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

My initial plan was not to draw attention and hide behind this disguise, but my route toward that Holy Land must have been fated this way.

Isa pa, hindi ko rin inaasahan na magiging madali lang ang mangyayari. Might as well enjoy this audience and formally introduce myself— now not just in front of the aristocrats but in front of all the status around this empire.

"Did you already send her the message?" I asked Luna, slightly looking over my shoulder.

She nodded.

"I don't think it's necessary," naiiling na sabi ni Delilah.

"Don't underestimate Elena, she might look like an airheaded woman who knows nothing but fancy dresses, desserts, and love, but this group is full of surprises," kibit balikat na sabi ni Catalina.

Ngumisi ako sa sagot niyang iyon. King Tobias— the wise king of Parsua Deltora wouldn't select untalented women and threw them in a mission that would easily kill them.

Kasalukuyan na kaming magkakatalikuran nina Delilah, Luna, Remi at Catalina habang pinalilibutan kami ng mga halimaw na nagmula rin sa naglalakihang butas sa nagtataasang pader.

Delilah with her knives and arms extended, ready for an attack, Luna with her glowing beads of necklace in front of her, Remi with her bags filled with bags of explosives, and Catalina with the sides of her eyes glowing like scales—showing her forest fairy blood.

Sa halip na kabahan sa patuloy na pagdami ng mga halimaw na ngayon ay umiikot sa paligid namin at anumang oras ay maaaring umatake, kakaibang tuwa ang siyang nararamdaman ko.

Because I knew that despite the threat to our lives these women beside me could fight. My eyes roamed on each creature now sidestepping around us, growling with their mouths open and drooling. Their predatory eyes were focused on us— on their prey. Rare, that despite the raging hunger in their eyes I felt as though they were calculating our movements thinking like a better predator.

I clicked my tongue.

This is a challenge.

Sand hounds, huh?

This was my first time seeing sand hounds rather than in sketches in ancient books. Unlike embargoes with the appearance of a spider-like monster filled with thick black fur, huge teeth, numerous legs, and red eyes, sand hounds were like a thin version of a gigantic monkey. In the naked eye, the traces of bones and skin were evident, and the color of its skin was pale white to peach. Its huge head— not even suited for its skinny body has thick gray fur with two huge horns from its lower mouth. And there were old bandages wrapped on their arms as if these creatures had just escaped their tomb from being mummified.

Alam kong may gusto pang sabihin sa akin si Kreios ngunit isinarado ko na ang koneksyon sa aming isipan at mas binigyan ko na ng pansin ang mga kalaban namin. My plan was to be buried alive in the sand— not to die in the mouth of these monsters. As long as the game was still ongoing, I have to keep myself alive.