Who had fired the shot?
Confused, I looked towards the source of the gunshot.
Soon after, Harlan emerged from the jungle, flanked by the warriors of the Xeric Pack.
Speechless, I watched as they approached.
Harlanâs timely arrival shifted the balance of power.
With the help of the Xeric Pack, the assailants were quickly subdued, and the wounded were rushed
for medical treatment.
Despite the turn of events, joy eluded me.
Standing there, I trembled as I looked up at the now-calm rift in the sky, the memory of the ordeal overwhelming me.
With a heavy heart, I closed my eyes, haunted by thoughts of Debraâs fate.
Calebâs POV:
After everything was taken care of, Harlan finally approached me.
âIâm sorry, Caleb.
Something came up, and I was delayed.
Thatâs why I was late.
Iâm truly sorry,â he said with remorse.
I said nothing in response.
Harlan glanced around, then asked, âWhereâs Debra? Why donât I see her? Isnât the battle over?â
A cold hand seemed to squeeze at my heart at the mention of Debraâs name.
I could no longer control my rage, and I lashed out with my fist and struck Harlan hard in the face.
I hit him with all my strength.
Harlan was not expecting to be hit, so the blow knocked him to the ground.
However, my anger still raged.
I straddled him and punched him over and over as I yelled angrily, âWhy did you arrive so late? Tell me! Why did you betray me, Harlan? Debra and I trusted you.
We never did you any wrong.
Why would you do this to us?â
Finally, I stopped punching.
Harlan had by then regained his composure but just laid there, saying nothing.
His brows fell, and he had a look of defeat painted on his face.
When I seemed to have calmed down, Harlan began to apologize.
âIâm so sorry, Caleb.
â
Although I had knocked the wind out of him, he didnât appear angry.
Instead, he seemed overwhelmed by guilt.
âI indeed failed to provide the needed support, but I swear, I did not betray you.
It was all Danielleâs doing.
â
I stared at him.
âWhat do you mean?â