Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2026

Following closely behind Josiah, the other guy hesitated at the aircraft door, wary of potential danger. He hadn't kept up and failed to notice Josiah's swift move against the pilot.

By the time Josiah had knocked the pilot out cold, the man finally made his way over, gun raised to finish the job.

Josiah spun around, blocking him, and said in a steady voice, “Hold up, he might be useful to us!”

The man was visibly shaken, his expression frantic. With Josiah's face smeared in grass and mud, the man didn't realize Josiah wasn't one of them and quickly nodded, whispering, “Drag him out.”

Josiah hoisted the pilot on his shoulders and did one last sweep of the aircraft for any issues. Finding none, they both descended.

The leader, seeing Josiah with the pilot, nodded and ordered, “Take him and let's move!”

Josiah complied, lifting the pilot onto his own shoulders and subtly positioned himself at the rear, shielding Estelle from view.

With the pilot as their cover, it became easier to blend in with the group, though Josiah now had the burden of carrying a man.

When they fell slightly behind, Estelle whispered, “Is he okay?”

“He’s alive, just knocked out,” Josiah replied.

Estelle nodded and said, “Let me carry him.”

“It’s no big deal,” Josiah gave her a reassuring gesture and kept pace with the group.

Up ahead, the leader received a message through his earpiece, leading the team through the brush. Suddenly, someone was bitten by a snake that fell from a tree. Without a moment's hesitation, the leader shot the man dead and shouted to the others, “Stay alert. I'll take care of anyone who slows us down personally!”

The group instantly became more vigilant.

After about half an hour, they spotted movement ahead. The leader quickened his step, exchanged code words with the newcomers, and the two groups merged.

Josiah and Estelle, bringing up the rear, saw the scene unfold in the clearing ahead. Their expressions turned stone cold.

Amiee met his stare defiantly and said, “No way!”

The man slapped her hard across the face, his expression menacing and dark. “I’ll ask you one more time, make her come for you!”

Josiah's body tensed in an instant, his eyes fixed on the man who slapped Amiee, his teeth nearly shattering with rage.

Blood trickled from the corner of Amiee’s mouth, her eyes burning with hatred as she spoke clearly, “Do what you want, kill or maim, I don’t care!”

The bearded leader looked Amiee up and down, his smile cruel and sinister, and ordered his men, “Strip her bare, have your fun with her, then hang her from a tree for display!”

Amiee's eyes widened in despair, and she desperately struggled as she tried to scoot back.

Several men closed in, leering at Amiee with ill intentions, beginning to unbuckle their belts.