Jeremiah’s gaze remained fixed on Yvette. Seeing her yawn, he immediately removed his black jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Emmett and the others rose and moved to the opposite side of the cave. Jeremiah subtly shifted to block the wind from the entrance, then lowered his head.

Yvette lifted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling. She chuckled softly. "I'm not that fragile. A little gust won't hurt me."

Jeremiah squeezed her cool hand, then tucked both her hands into his coat pockets. Yvette, mostly enveloped in his arms, felt an unfamiliar comfort, but didn't resist. His gaze fell upon her delicate neck, intensifying. He gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his breath warm against her skin. In a low, soft voice, he said, "Get some rest. You must be exhausted. Keeping up with those guys must have taken a lot out of you."

Yvette's heart stirred. He seems to know everything. Am I tired? Actually, I have no idea what it really feels like to be tired, she mused, closing her eyes and leaning unconsciously closer to him.

As dawn broke, the others still slept. Faint, almost inaudible footsteps sounded outside the cave. Yvette's eyes snapped open, fierce and cold, her gaze filled with bloodlust. A deadly aura emanated from her.

Jeremiah's eyes opened simultaneously; drowsiness was absent from their gazes. They exchanged a quick glance. Someone is coming? they wondered. Instantly, both stood and moved toward the entrance, alerting the others.

Emmett, Chris, and Bruce awoke, as did Jeremiah's men. In such an environment, sound sleep was impossible. Their expressions revealed their apprehension. Emmett and the others approached Jeremiah and Yvette. Emmett leaned forward. "Mr. Chavez, Yve, what's happening outside? The footsteps sound chaotic. Is someone coming?"

In the bushes, large figures darted back and forth. Chris, Bruce, and the others immediately drew their weapons, readying themselves. Visitors at this hour were ominous.

Jeremiah frowned, speaking to Yvette in a low voice. "After we entered the rainforest with the Tiger Head members, about a dozen people mysteriously disappeared near a thicket. I suspect someone in the rainforest is aiding them."

Yvette's eyes were cold, a chilling aura radiating from her. Tilting her head slightly, her delicate features exuded danger. Her voice, calm yet sharp, cut through the tension. "Your suspicions are correct. There's a primitive tribe living in the rainforest."

Jeremiah paused. How does Yvette know about the primitive tribe? he wondered. Glancing at Emmett and the others, he noticed their lack of surprise.

Frankie shrugged, his tension easing. "A primitive tribe? Well, that's a relief."

Jeremiah's soldiers, relieved to hear it was merely a primitive tribe, felt no fear of a few natives. But Emmett remained uneasy. Why would a primitive tribe help the Tiger Head gang produce drugs? It doesn't make sense, he thought.

Yvette's face remained impassive, her eyes half-closed as she observed the now-relaxed group. A flicker of bloodlust—a mixture of righteousness and danger—crossed her gaze. "I forgot to mention they're cannibals."

Of those present, only Jeremiah didn't visibly react. He merely frowned. Cannibals, as the name implies, were the most savage of primitive tribes.

Emmett, Bruce, Frankie, and Chris believed Yvette; Jeremiah's soldiers were skeptical. Jacob, one of the soldiers, voiced his doubts. "Ms. Zeller, I apologize, but as a soldier, we can't blindly believe you. What you're saying is far-fetched. Even if there were cannibals, how would they have contacted the Tiger Head gang? This sounds like a fantasy."

Jeremiah's expression darkened. He knew Yvette didn't speak idly.

Just as Jeremiah was about to respond, Yvette tickled his palm. He froze, then softly asked, "What is it?" Yvette lifted her chin, her exquisite face arrogant. Her eyes were icily cold, her tone calm. "Your soldiers have every reason to be skeptical. Only fools believe everything they hear."

Jeremiah gently took her hand. Only she can possess such a strong mindset, unfazed by the doubts of others, he thought.

Emmett, Bruce, Chris, and Frankie wouldn't tolerate Yvette being questioned. Emmett stated firmly, "If Yve says they exist, then they do. Instead of doubting her, why aren't you focusing on how to deal with the cannibals?"

"I can vouch for that. If it weren't for Yve, we'd probably be dead," Emmett said, addressing the ten soldiers still wearing doubtful expressions. He stepped forward, his voice resolute. "We trust Yve."

They tactfully avoided mentioning Yvette's three-month solitary survival in the rainforest at age twelve. They feared disbelief and potential exploitation of this information.

Yvette watched the arguing groups with an indifferent expression, her eyes distant. "Let's go. Don't you want to find out if there are cannibals here or not?"

Jacob, having witnessed Yvette’s composure, his bravado diminished. He said sincerely, "Ms. Zeller, if we encounter cannibals, I'm at your disposal. You could even skin me alive, and I wouldn't complain. But if not, let's pretend this never happened."

Jacob's stubbornness frustrated Emmett. He was a top-ranked soldier, which is why Jeremiah had chosen him.

Yvette casually slid a hand into her pocket, smiling slightly. Her tone was light but firm. "No need. Whatever happens to you will happen to me."

Jacob and the soldiers gained a newfound respect. As their Major General's future wife, her responsibility and leadership mattered.

Yvette and Jeremiah walked ahead, occasionally exchanging words. The large group followed, unable to hear their conversation, but noticing the tenderness in Jeremiah's usually stern eyes.

Jacob caught up with Emmett and the others. A straightforward man, he blurted out, "Emmett, if we don't encounter cannibals..."