Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 922

BOOM!

A massive explosion rocked the east side of the village. A brilliant streak of light shot into the dark sky and burst into a spectacular firework. More and more followed, filling the sky with a dazzling display of color and light.

The men stared at each other in confusion.

“What’s going on?”

“I pressed the detonator! Why didn’t it explode?”

Suddenly, faint footsteps sounded behind them. As they turned, they felt the cold, hard press of something against the backs of their heads.

Haskell’s voice drifted from the shadows behind them. “Don’t move. You wouldn’t want a misfire.”

…

WHOOSH—BANG!

With a sharp whistle, a magnificent, large-scale firework exploded in the night sky, blooming into a cascade of multi-colored light.

Deep within the village, on a clean rock outside the herb garden, Larissa had her phone propped up beside her. She sat, head tilted back, watching the brilliant fireworks show.

The fireworks were dazzling against the dark canvas of the night, constantly shifting in shape and color—sometimes like blooming flowers, sometimes like dancing sprites, sometimes like shimmering stars, a truly breathtaking sight.

Suddenly, a warm, gentle voice came from behind her. “Have you been waiting long, Larissa?”

The live-stream chat instantly erupted:

[OMG! The way Haskell said ‘Larissa’ just now was so smooth!]

[I’m shipping them so hard!]

[It looks like Haskell’s legs have completely healed! He’s walking just like he used to!]

[Ah, a man really does look best on his own two feet!]

Larissa turned to see Haskell approaching. She flashed a radiant smile. “I haven’t been waiting long, but I think the viewers in the live-stream have.”

Haskell looked up at the sky, a faint smile on his lips. “Happy New Year, Larissa.”

Larissa smiled back. “Happy New Year, Haskell!”

The fireworks show continued until twenty minutes past midnight. Larissa stood up and addressed her phone. “That’s the end of tonight’s fireworks live-stream! Bye-bye!”

She ended the broadcast and turned to Haskell. “Let’s go back.”

“Alright.” Haskell stood and naturally took her hand.

As they reached the cottage, just as Larissa was about to open the door, a snake slithered out from the side. It was Shadow.

Larissa paused and looked at Haskell. He understood her silent signal immediately, nodding as he stood his ground.

Larissa moved forward and pushed the door open. A figure lunged out from inside.

“Larissa, go to hell!”