Nash ended the call, clutching his phone with a mix of hesitation and determination before dialing Nina's number. However, due to the ongoing movement of the vehicle Nina was in, there was no signal.When Nash tried calling, he was met with an automated message, "The number you have dialed is not in service. Please try again later…"The area was a war zone, chaotic and dangerous. A single misstep could result in being caught in the crossfire. How could Nina dare to venture here?"Captain, don't worry. I'll notify our contacts to find her. As soon as we have any information, we'll inform you immediately. You need to rest now. Otherwise, we can't coordinate with others, and the mission will be compromised," James, standing by Nash, overheard the call and saw Nash's worried expression. Nash was always composed, except when it came to Nina. James had seen him anxious only a few times, all involving Nina. Nash truly cared about her."We must act quickly," Nash insisted, wanting to sea
They were in the vast expanse of the desert, with no end in sight. The driver planned to go for help, but it was unclear how long that would take. Camels were the best means of transport in the desert.Nina had an idea, but before she could voice it, Moana suddenly waved and called out, her child mimicking her actions. July said, "She's calling for them."Nina remained silent, watching as a group of people on camels approached them. Moana gestured and pointed at Nina, and she could feel their scrutinizing gaze turn into suspicion.After negotiating with them for a couple of minutes, Moana ran back to Nina, excitedly saying a lot. July translated, "Miss Nina, she says these people are from her tribe. We can ride the camels to leave the desert.""Good," Nina agreed. She wanted to leave the desert and find a place to stay before continuing to Yaren.The driver, overhearing the conversation, said, "The car breaking down isn't my fault, but if you leave on the camels, I won't refund
Scarlett took the bottle and held Nina's cheeks, pouring the black liquid into her mouth.Nina coughed violently as the bitter, pungent taste hit her. It woke her up but leaving her weak and slumped over the camel’s hump. Scarlett, worried about her, called out, "Nina, are you okay? Can you hear me?""Yes," Nina replied weakly, feeling like a dying fish.Scarlett, fearing Nina might fall, kept her arm around her waist. Eventually, even Scarlett began to feel faint. She had also drunk the bitter tree juice, which had a strong and overwhelming taste. It was only thanks to July and Moana that they managed to make it out of the desert.As they emerged from the desert, they reached a barren land. The temperature difference between day and night was extreme. They set up camp, built a fire, and pitched their tents. While they had food, they had no water left.Gathered around the fire, warming themselves, Moana handed them a water bag. "We can’t go any further today. It’s another thre
There were at least ten wild wolves surrounding them. If it weren't for the guns they had, they would have been devoured by wolves that night.However, the locals’ diet, beliefs, and experiences were all different. They even started skinning the wolves right away and roasting the meat over the fire.One of the women offered Nina a wolf leg, but Nina waved it away. She couldn’t eat it, especially with the smell of wolf blood filling her nostrils.Scarlett handed her the last of their bread and some of the black tree leaf juice the woman had given them in the desert. Just a whiff of the juice made Nina feel more alert.She tried to use her phone, but there was still no signal. They had to spend the night here and then travel another three hours tomorrow to reach the populated area, still far from Yaren. When would she finally see Scott and Nash?Hugging herself, Nina looked up at the sky. The stars and the moon were clearly visible.Meanwhile, Nash was also in a grim mood. He had
Nash was resolute. "This minor injury won’t hinder me.""Alright, I’ll make the arrangements," James replied, understanding that Nash wouldn’t be at ease until Nina was found. So, they set off for Yaren that very night.---Nina couldn't sleep. As the night went on, the temperature dropped significantly, and everyone around her gradually fell asleep. The fire couldn't stay lit all night, so she reluctantly crawled into the tent.Scarlett was also awake, so despite Nina's efforts to move quietly, she noticed the slight noise."Get some sleep, Nina. We have a long journey ahead, and you need to preserve your strength. Besides, you heard Scott’s recording."Nina was surprised. "Why aren’t you asleep?"Scarlett had been expending more energy than Nina and yet hadn’t slept. It must have been because she, too, had a lot on her mind."I can’t sleep knowing you’re still awake. Besides, even if you do sleep, I’ll be on guard. I understand how you feel, but we’re here now, and you must
Nina woke up groggily to the smell of roasting meat. When she opened her eyes, the sky was just beginning to lighten. She checked the time and it was only a little past 5 a.m. The temperature difference between night and day was stark, and as she stepped out of the tent, she instinctively hugged her arms for warmth. Everyone was already up, and Moana pointed to the fire where meat was roasting.July translated, "You didn’t eat last night. You should eat something now. We’ll be leaving soon."Nina did not have an appetite. She had always harbored a doubt. Her goal wasn’t simply to find Scott but to uncover her possible connection to the organization.How else could she have known the secret mechanisms subconsciously? She might have escaped the organization as the only clean slate, but Seth’s reaction to her was too strange, as if he saw another person within her. There might be a shocking secret she carried, one that only she could unlock. She knew this journey was dangerous,
July, fearing for Nina's safety, held her tightly. "Miss Nina, you’ve seen the situation. Going back is suicide!""But what about Scarlett?" Nina protested.July and Moana kept a firm grip on Nina. "Scarlett is skilled and she'll be fine. It's not just about you and Scarlett. If we stay, we all risk getting caught!"They wanted her, not Scarlett. Just as she had suspected, she was valuable to them. They wouldn’t kill her immediately, which might give her a chance to reach their inner circle. This could be an opportunity, much like before. But Scarlett wasn’t in the same position. Now considered a traitor, she could be killed.Nina looked at them, unable to let them all be in danger. "You go ahead," she said. "I have a plan."If her guess was right, she knew how to handle it. This was a gamble she had to take.Seeing Nina’s determination to go back, July grew desperate. Ignoring all else, she knocked Nina unconscious. Then, with Moana’s help, they carried her downstairs and
Nina could feel the ground shaking. She grabbed onto a nearby tree for support and saw the sky lit up in red. "Rat-tat-tat..." The sound of gunfire reached her ears. Instinctively, she looked in that direction, and the scene before her left her frozen in place. Countless men in camouflage uniforms wielding long guns were mowing down people, their path leaving bodies in their wake, blood flowing like rivers. Nina didn't dare move. She watched as these men stormed into small houses, coming out with goods and setting the buildings ablaze. Nina was completely stunned. These people were dressed like soldiers, yet they were committing acts of murder and arson. In her country, soldiers were protectors, like Nash, who followed orders to save lives, even if it meant sacrificing their own.She saw a flag flying, a black one with a white skull and a coiled cobra beneath it. The sight of this emblem made her skin crawl."Retreat!" a voice shouted in English.Nina understood the comman