Betrayed, But Not Defeated novel Chapter 73

Zephyr couldn't hide his surprise as he looked at Daniel. "It seems you do know what it is."

"Shadowheart Vine," Daniel replied confidently. "From the look of it, it's already taken root. I doubt that person can hold on much longer."

Zephyr hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll take you there." He turned to Luciana. "We're closing the shop for today. You should head home."

"Well… Okay." She looked uneasy but eventually relented.

Daniel got into the car with Zephyr, and they drove toward their destination. As Daniel had expected, Zephyr guided him out of the city.

"From here, follow the trail up the hill. You'll see the thatched hut at the foot of the mountain—that's the place." Zephyr hesitated before adding, "Are you sure you can handle the Shadowheart Vine? I've already tried everything I could. Not only did I fail to get rid of it, but I also ended up gravely injured."

"Of course I do!" Daniel didn't elaborate further.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the thatched hut. As he stepped out of the car, a violent coughing fit echoed through the desolate forest. The sound itself was unsettling and it sent a chill down his spine.

"Drop the act." Daniel scoffed.

With a sudden stomp, the ground cracked open beneath him. Suddenly, a dark figure lunged out of the hut and charged at him.

"Watch out!" Zephyr's face paled. "The Shadowheart Vine has taken control of him!"

Daniel didn't respond. With a swift motion, his hand shot out and locked onto the dark figure that lunged at him.

"Go to hell!" The dark figure's eyes were filled with madness as it glared at Daniel. Though its body still resembled a human form, it was wrapped in black vines, especially around its back, where a ghostly face appeared.