The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1117

On the outskirts of the village, Draven had his crew ready the dynamite as the approaching group neared, his hand hovering over a detonator. It was at this moment, however, that a familiar, grumbling voice cut through the tension.

"Why pick such a godforsaken place? If we can't find anyone, might as well blow it all to kingdom come!" Leopold’s voice came, laced with frustration.

Draven paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as he set aside his tools and stepped outside.

The rustling in the woods immediately drew Leopold's attention. He had just drawn his knife when Draven emerged from the treeline.

"Jesus, is that you, kid?" Leopold exclaimed, relief washing over him as he recognized Draven. "I was this close to turning you into a pincushion. You gotta be more careful!"

Draven just stared, feeling a shiver run down his spine at Leopold's tone, which had taken on an eerie quality after spending too much time with his wife.

Ignoring Leopold's ramble, Draven scanned the area behind him.

"What're you looking for?" Leopold asked, puzzled.

"Is it just you guys? Didn't run into anyone else on the way here?"

Leopold was taken aback by the barrage of questions. "Who else would bother coming to this dump? No, we didn't see a soul."

Reassured, Draven led Leopold back to their base, only for Leopold to almost have a heart attack at the sight of the explosives aimed in their direction.

"Holy hell! Were you planning a welcome party or a funeral?" Leopold yelled, prompting Draven's men to quickly redirect the explosives.

Draven grimaced. "Orders from the boss!"

Leopold almost choked on his retort. Nothing was impossible, he supposed, especially when allegiances could shift as easily as the wind.

Percival chimed in, "You're not wrong."

Gathering his thoughts, Leopold looked at Draven. "So, what's the situation?"

Draven hesitated, then sighed deeply.

The usual tranquility of the village had been shattered by an unexpected turn of events. Mayor Thompson stood, petrified, as Vivienne approached, her gaze so intense it nearly knocked him off his feet.

With a swift motion, Vivienne lifted Mayor Thompson with one hand as if he weighed nothing, then rounded up the others, tossing them into a makeshift cell.

As Mayor Thompson was thrown in, a protective formation they’d relied on was broken, unleashing dark shadows that lacked any sign of life, akin to zombies.

These shadows began assaulting Vivienne with a ferocity that belied their undead nature, knives in hand.