~Sylvester~
The journey to Lucland felt like an eternity, filled with worry and apprehension. Each of us concealed our concerns behind a brave facade, but deep down, our hearts were heavy.
Before boarding the flight, I repeatedly tried calling Tamia's number and my office line, desperate to ensure everything was alright. The thought of something going wrong was unbearable.
Looking around the aircraft, I saw the sombre expressions on Leo, Marcel, Devin, and David's faces, their unease palpable.
Alexei and Clay appeared nervous as well. Our worries were centred on the safety of our beloved women. Fortunately, a helicopter awaited us at Lucland airport, ready to swiftly transport us to the estate. It was the fastest way to reach our destination.
I found solace in the hope that Vino, Theodore, Dominic, and Andrew would be fine and join us up north tomorrow, unharmed. They had given their all, making the best of a dire situation. I fervently prayed that we wouldn't have to go through something like this again.
As the plane touched down, relieved to have neutralised the threat, there was no need for secrecy or immigration procedures. We hurriedly disembarked, assisting Yuri, who was in a wheelchair due to his leg injury. It would take a few days for his crushed bones to heal, not that I cared much about his suffering. He hadn't been given any pain medication, so I knew he was enduring a great deal. Although, his suffering wasn't nearly enough.
We boarded the waiting helicopter without delay, ready to face whatever awaited us at the estate. Breaking the silence and snapping everyone out of their deep thoughts, I urged my companions,
"No matter what happens at the estate, we must remain composed and sane."
Leo reassured us, saying, "Don't worry. Those bastards will meet their match up north. Our women are incredibly resilient. I'm confident they'll outsmart and overcome their adversaries. Those women cling to life like glue." His words elicited laughter from all of us because they rang true.
Considering everything they had survived, it was plausible that they would emerge victorious. They relied not only on strength but on wisdom, which is the most vital asset in any battle. Leo's words filled us with hope and uplifted our spirits. I felt optimistic about what lay ahead.
After a fifteen-minute helicopter ride, we landed on the estate grounds. Stepping off the aircraft, I instinctively tried to link with Tamia, but my abilities vanished. I knew the rash was about to manifest. Glancing at Leo, who was laughing almost maniacally, I could see the relief on his face. He had successfully linked with his mate.
"So, don't keep it to yourself," I urged him, and he looked at me and nodded.
"They're alright," he managed to say, and at that moment, I took the time to survey my surroundings. My men were clearing away the corpses littering the grounds. I wondered how the battle had unfolded, knowing that some of my men had also lost their lives. It must have been a gruelling fight, but I was grateful that our mates had made it through unscathed.
Wilson and Levi approached us, taking charge of Yuri. They would secure him in the dungeon, following my order not to treat his wounds. Since he was immune to silver, holding him without inflicting pain on his legs would be pointless.
As we made our way toward the building, Tamia and the others approached us. I could see the relief wash over her face.
"Where is Theodore?" I heard Linda's anxious voice. She was clearly worried and scared. Anticipating the concern that would arise, I quickly raised my hand to reassure her.
"He's fine. They'll join us tomorrow. They were injured and are currently receiving treatment in Gad. We would have waited and returned together, but Yuri had boasted about the attack on the estate, so we decided to rush down and see if we could help. But clearly, all of you had it under control," I explained. A glimmer of relief appeared in her eyes.
"Do you know when they'll arrive tomorrow?" she asked, and I shook my head but promised her they would be with us by tomorrow.
"Where's Susan?" Devin chimed in, sounding concerned.
"She was injured, but she's okay now. She had been feeling a bit unwell but kept it from everyone. I'll leave it to her to tell you everything," Tamia responded with a smile, and I didn't need to guess what Tamia was leaving for Susan to reveal.
David and Nicole headed inside the building just as Marcel inquired about Avery. Tamia assured him that she was safe with the others in the bunker. Marcel hurried towards the building, eager to reunite with his mates. It was a natural reaction. If Tamia hadn't come to meet me outside, I would have done the same.
The rest of us entered the estate, and I dreaded explaining to Claudia why Vino wasn't with us. She would likely be the one most deeply affected. Alexei and Clay went ahead of us, visibly exhausted. Unlike the rest of us, Alexei's mate was safe in Mountain, while Clay had everyone he cared about accounted for within the estate.
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