Despite his initial hesitance, Nicoleâs plea influenced Jarrod.
He handed her an unlit fire stick for self-protection.
âKeep vigilant and defend yourself,â he instructed before moving to the rear of the lotus platform where Roscoe was bound.
Jarrod swiftly severed the bindings, revealing his proficiency.
Roscoe was visibly surprised by Jarrodâs aid, given their strained history.
He managed a genuine, âThank you.
â
However, Jarrodâs response was chilling.
He kept his knife drawn, pressing it slightly against Roscoeâs throat with a menacing whisper.
âStay away from my wife, or next time, I wonât hesitate.
â
Roscoe remained silent, his expression stern.
Nicole, alert to the encroaching parasites, called out, âAre you done?â
Jarrod, after a final look at Roscoe, sheathed his knife and replied, âYes.
â
Nicole turned and saw Roscoe, fatigued and pale, leaning against the lotus platform.
âJarrod, carry him out of here,â Nicole commanded.
Jarrod paused, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
âCarry him?â He believed he had already done his part by not leaving Roscoe behind.
Nicole, noticing Jarrodâs hesitation, urged, âWe need to move fast.
Heâs been drugged and canât walk.
â
She knew the drugâs effects well, having experienced its potent but paralyzing impact before.
It left the user incapacitated for a couple of hours while it worked.
Recovery for Roscoe could take even longer, given the dosage he had been fed.
Jarrod looked at Roscoe, who showed no desire to be carried, and seemed conflicted.
Roscoe, not wanting to leave Nicole in a pickle, insisted, âNo need.
Get Nicole to safety and leave me.
â
Nicole quickly retorted, âThis isnât the time for valor.
We canât waste time.
â
The parasites were relentless, hunger driving them to attack.
Any moment of hesitation would make them prey.
While Roscoe stayed quiet, Nicoleâs gaze at Jarrod was pleading.
Jarrod raised an eyebrow and remarked, âDidnât you hear? He doesnât want help.
â
Nicole, growing frustrated with the delay, couldnât hide her irritation.
Nicole was incredulous at their interaction, which seemed childish given the dire circumstances.
âIf youâre not going to carry him, then I will,â Nicole declared, beginning to bend down despite her injuries.
But she doubted her strength to even lift Austin, much less Roscoe.
Jarrod, with a frosty look, begrudgingly bent down.
âFine, Iâll do it.
â
Roscoe, however, continued to sulk and was uncooperative.
Nicole had no option but to manually place Roscoeâs arm over Jarrodâs shoulders to ensure compliance.