Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 257

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 257: Hunter and Prey**

“Don’t kill her.”

The command sliced through the air, sharp and commanding. Armed with glinting weapons, the hunters spread out in a practiced formation, their eyes scanning the dimly lit space for any sign of movement.

Meanwhile, Tatiana had already maneuvered her way back to the front of the hall. She had found refuge in the very spot where the first murder had taken place, curling herself tightly beneath a hollow table, her heart racing.

In a twisted sense, the most perilous location had become her sanctuary.

She had already mapped the entire banquet hall in her mind while searching for Yasper, her pulse quickening with each passing moment. The exits were non-existent; the only route out was the entrance, heavily guarded by those who hunted her.

In essence, survival seemed like a distant dream.

For now, she could only remain concealed, biding her time until the frenzy reached its peak, hoping for a sliver of opportunity to present itself.

Suddenly, a smaller figure darted toward her, panic etched across her face, desperately seeking refuge beneath the same table. Just as she was about to slip in, a glinting dinner knife was pressed against her neck, halting her in her tracks.

“Don’t move.”

The woman’s eyes widened in terror, a scream bubbling in her throat, but she managed to suppress it with trembling hands. With both hands raised in surrender, she pleaded, “Please, don’t kill me! I’m not a hunter!”

Tatiana’s grip on the knife remained unwavering. She had only just seized it, its blade sharp enough to sever flesh with ease.

“Then you’re prey too, right? I can help you! I know where the exit is! We can escape together! You don’t want to die here, do you?” The woman’s voice was a frantic whisper, her fear palpable as she felt the cold steel pressing closer against her skin.

Tatiana’s voice was low and steady, “Where is the exit?”

“Can you let me go first?”

“Talk.”

“It’s between the third and fourth doors! But there are so many hunters lurking around there. You’ll never get past them alone. We can work together.”

Tatiana sensed that this woman held valuable information.

“What is this place?” she demanded.

“I knew it! You were deceived as well. Those devils thrive on trickery!”

The woman’s tone shifted, laced with anger, yet she kept her voice low, terrified of being overheard.

“This banquet is called Darknight, but I prefer to call it the Night of the Depraved. Every person here is a worshipper of the god Mortis. They orchestrate this gathering, lure in the ‘prey,’ and then revel in their torture and demise—all in the name of devotion!”

“Did your invitation bear a blue flower?”

“That’s the mark for prey. The moment you stepped in, they tagged you.”

“You were betrayed by someone close to you too, weren’t you? We’re both just unfortunate victims. You don’t need to kill me.”

Finally, Tatiana broke her silence. “If you move your hand any further into your pocket, I swear I will cut your throat.”

“Also, you didn’t completely hide that axe logo under your collar.”

The woman instinctively glanced down at her collar, her breath catching in her throat. She had never had a logo printed there.

“Are you from Radovia?”

In an instant, the knife was back at Caitlyn’s throat, pressing harder than before, poised to slice.

“Hiss! Calm down! Did I say something wrong?”

“You just called me the vilest curse there is.”

Caitlyn looked bewildered.

“I’m from Hindersville.”

Caitlyn quickly corrected herself, “My apologies! Truly!”

Tatiana withdrew the knife once more, her expression softening slightly.

Caitlyn let out a shaky breath, realizing that this seemingly delicate girl possessed a fierce spirit.

“Hiding here is futile. You need to move soon. They’ll be deploying thermal imagers, and they’ll find you no matter where you hide.”

Tatiana felt a wave of frustration wash over her. It seemed they were giving no one a chance to survive.

Caitlyn, sensing her despair, spoke softly, “It’s hopeless, isn’t it? This is, after all, the Night of Despair. Getting out of here in one piece is nearly impossible.”

“Doesn’t anyone investigate?”

“Investigate? Do you have any idea who these hunters are? Most of them wield immense power and influence. They control the laws and the media. Everything that occurs here is swallowed by darkness. No one can penetrate that barrier.” Caitlyn paused, a hint of self-mockery creeping into her tone. “Why else do you think this is all happening underground?”