The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 843

The helicopter kicked up a massive cloud of dust as it slowly touched down in the center of the clearing.

Leilani and Callahan stepped down the ramp, immediately hit by a stifling wave of hot, humid air thick with the scent of damp earth and rotting vegetation. It was the kind of oppressive heat unique to the tropics, making it hard to breathe.

Under a crude bamboo shelter at the edge of the camp, a figure in a loose linen shirt turned around at the sound of their arrival.

It was Payton Larson.

Payton had ventured into the region once before his accident, so he possessed valuable experience. Because of this, he and Abel had arrived at the rendezvous point a day ahead of Leilani to set things up.

Though Payton's face still carried the lingering pallor of chronic illness, his eyes looked far clearer than the last time Leilani had seen him. Overall, he seemed to be in much better spirits.

Beside him stood Abel, immobile and steadfast as a stone pillar, silently keeping watch.

"Is that Leilani?" Payton asked Abel over the noise of the rotors.

Though Payton had lost his sight, his hearing was exceptionally sharp. He could recognize the distinct cadence of Leilani's footsteps.

Abel nodded, confirming it. "Yes, but Dr. Sloan seems to have a man with her."

"Mr. Langley. The pleasure is mine," Payton replied, reaching out and grasping Callahan's hand without a moment's hesitation. It was a fluid motion that defied his blindness. "I'd heard your name in passing back in Zell Province. Glad we finally have the chance to meet."

As their hands met, Callahan's gaze discreetly swept over Payton's empty pant legs and sightless eyes. Though a multitude of questions swirled in his mind, his impeccable upbringing ensured nothing showed on his face.

He treated Payton with the utmost deference. "Anyone who is family to Leilani is family to me. We'll be relying heavily on your guidance for this trip."

Callahan could see just how much Payton meant to Leilani. There were very few people she held close to her heart, so his words were entirely sincere, not just polite corporate pleasantries.

Payton could sense the genuine respect in his tone and nodded in approval. For now, at least, Callahan had passed his initial test.