Not A Small-Town Girl

----

“Almost all of Jaden’s bodyguards were hurt, barely

hanging in there as they waited for backup.

“But just when they thought things might calm down, the

five-headed snake struck again. It bit one of the

bodyguards, taking him out in an instant.

"Everyone statted shooting, but the

bullets bar eemed to faze the

snake. It was like they weren’t even

touchingMt. Getting close enoughtto

use kttives? Forget it. The snaké was

fastand the group was starting to

feeF the strain.

----

The snake didn’t seem to have any weak spots, everything

they tried just bounced off its thick scales.

And the thing’s tail was like a battering ram, knocking over

anyone who couldn’t move fast enough. A few of the

bodyguards didn’t make it in time, getting hit hard and

coughing up blood.

“David exchanged a look with Jaden. He didn’t need to say

anything; they both knew what needed to be done. David

quickly pulled out a rope from his pack, swinging it a few

times before tossing it over the snake’s heads.

“Pull it down!" he yelled, his voice cutting through the

chaos.

“A couple of bodyguards who were still on their feet rushed

over to help, pulling the rope as hard as they could. The

snake’s heads came crashing down to the ground, giving

David the opening he needed.

----

“With a quick move, he darted forward and drove his knife

straight into one of the snake’s heads. The creature let out

a deafening roar, thrashing as it fought against the rope.

“Jaden didn’t waste any time. He ran straight for the

snake’s tail, stabbing it with his knife.

"But just as hexdid, the snake swung

its tail hard¢enocking Jaden back

several feet: He hit the ground withra

grunt, th€-pain shooting through fis

ribs, kat he didn’t stop. He got Back

up ee went for the tail agaim

stabbing it repeatedly.

----

“David wasn’t having an easy time either. If it weren’t for his

agility, he would’ve been eaten alive by now. He danced

around the snake’s heads, avoiding the deadly bites, while

picking off one head after another.

“With the bodyguards holding the rope tight, they finally

started gaining ground. With one hand, David fired at the

snake’s head.

“Then, his other hand kept a tight grip on the knife, driving

it deeper into the five-headed snake’s head.

"The beast thrashed, unsure of whether to focus on its

head or tail, rolling around like crazy. David took the

opening, cutting down hard, determined to tear it apart.

----

"The snake slammed him into the

wall, but he«éfused to let go of the

blade. Reaching for another knife, he

stabbed tHe serpent again. With ©

both hades working in sync, he

Wey eee it. The@reature

we limp.

----

“The bodyguards, still holding the ropes, stayed on high

alert.

"Jaden rushed over to the snake’s head and stabbed it

relentlessly. It didn’t take long for the head to be a mess of

deep gashes.

“With the five-headed snake finally dead, the bodyguards

loosened their grip on the ropes, letting out a collective sigh

of relief.

“Looking at the pile of dead monsters; the lizards and the

snake, it all felt like a crazy adventure, one they had just

barely survived.

“But there was also one of Jaden’s bodyguards, lifeless on

the ground, a victim of the snake’s bite.

----

“Get him back and make sure he gets a proper burial. His

family should be taken care of," Jaden said, his tone firm,

though the anger was gone.

“The captain of the bodyguards nodded. "Got it."

“David turned to the group, his voice serious. "It’s only

gonna get worse from here. Stay sharp."

“Nathan stepped up to him, looking concerned. "Sir, there’s

only one way through here. We haven’t seen any signs of a

fight. Do you think Mrs. Charrington isn’t here?"

“They had fought through the whole cave, so there

should’ve been some trace of a struggle if Danielle had

been here.

David exhaled, thinking for a moment. "Let’s keep moving

forward. We’ll figure it out."

“They didn’t know if Danielle had come across these

monsters, or if she was safe somewhere else.