Chapter 715

“Wouldn’t be able to leave?” The sentence held a weighty implication. Felicia and Maurice exchanged a glance, poised to demand answers, but before they could, a middle-aged woman abruptly pulled the young bride aside.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” she scolded. “Hurry and change out of that gown. I need to adjust the waistline!”

“Okay…” The young bride obediently disappeared into the house.

Felicia pondered her words. Did the bride mean the villagers wouldn't let them leave, or that the island was perpetually shrouded in fog, trapping them? If the latter, escape was possible. If the former, the entire village was against them. She preferred not to assume the worst, but wouldn't lower her guard.

That night, she discreetly tasted her dinner, checking for poison. The food was clean. She remained alert throughout the night, but nothing happened.

Early morning, the fog had lifted. The village erupted in celebration; confetti cannons boomed, and the air filled with the scent of smoke and wedding festivities. Guests bustled about, engrossed in lively chatter and joy.

Seizing an opportune moment, Felicia pulled Maurice aside and they slipped toward the village entrance. Under a large banyan tree near the outskirts, Stephan's remaining men waited.

The bad news: There was still no sign of Stephan or the four men who had gone with him. The good news: Two men had gathered information from villagers. They learned the needed venomous creature could be found in an eastern valley.

Locals avoided the valley, deeming it dangerous; those who entered rarely returned. They warned that one should never go alone.

Felicia didn't hesitate. She was going, taking Maurice. The sooner they dealt with the creature, the sooner she could focus on finding Stephan.

Before departing, she ordered Stephan's men to continue searching in pairs, returning to the village by sundown. If they found Stephan, it would be time to leave the island. Her orders given, the men responded in unison.

“Let’s not waste time. Move out!” Felicia commanded.

Felicia, Maurice, and some of Maurice's subordinates headed east toward the valley, proceeding cautiously. Felicia double-checked their supplies—weapons, medicine, everything needed. Maurice's men were armed with guns.

They soon reached the valley. Overgrown and thick with weeds, the difficult terrain was a perfect breeding ground for venomous creatures. Felicia carefully scanned the area. Either through luck or the valley's abundance of venomous creatures, she quickly spotted one of the same species as the one within Maurice.

“Shh! Don’t move,” Felicia whispered. She took out a small container, signaled Maurice, and approached the creature.

Just as she moved, a piercing shriek erupted from the undergrowth. The scream startled the venomous creature, which retreated into a tree hole.