Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 260

Nathan was consumed with guilt. If only he had intervened sooner with Hera, perhaps she wouldn't have been kidnapped or fled deeper into the mountains.

The thought of such a vibrant soul suffering because of his mistake weighed heavily on him.

Bernard shot him a glance before turning to Aaron.

"Angle the lights down and send two men to check it out," he ordered briskly.

As he spoke, a chorus of wolf howls echoed nearby, accompanied by faint sounds of combat.

Bernard's gaze darted beyond the cave's entrance toward the source of the commotion.

A sudden realization gripped Bernard, and he declared abruptly, "I'll go check it out."

With that, he swiftly bypassed the cave and sprinted toward the noise.

"I'm coming too. You guys stay here," Aaron shouted as he chased after Bernard.

Nathan and Stephen exchanged glances and quickly followed, leaving behind a group of bewildered special forces in uniform.

As they approached, the sounds of combat and wolf cries intensified, mingling with the metallic tang of blood in the air.

Despite being in his tailored suit and polished shoes, Bernard moved swiftly and reached the scene first. However, what he saw before him made him freeze in his tracks.

Aaron caught up just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision as Nathan and Stephen stumbled into him.

"What's going on?"

Stephen managed to regain his balance after falling backward.

They then noticed that the fierce battle had ended, leaving only the lingering echoes of wolf cries.

Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the night wind rustled through the leaves as a figure stood among the trees. The air was heavy with the scent of blood, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Nathan directed his flashlight at the figure. The figure had disheveled hair, torn clothes, and multiple wounds still oozing blood.

Clenched in her left hand was a dagger whose tip gleamed ominously under the light, stained crimson. Surrounding her were a pack of wolves that collapsed on the ground, barely alive.

The sight left Nathan and the others speechless. They wondered how Hera had managed to defeat an entire pack of wolves.

Wolves were known for their teamwork and prowess. Yet there she stood alone, victorious over them all.

"Aren't these wild wolves? They're terrifying in battle!"

Even Aaron doubted he could have escaped such a situation.

As Aaron recalled Shaun's reminder to not mess with Hera, Stephen thought, "Can I take back what I said earlier?"

Nathan swallowed hard, torn between concern for Hera and the wolves lying at her feet.

At the forefront, Bernard frowned as he watched Hera, who emanated a menacing air.

He was too late. Hera was already gripped by her fear of the dark. She

had snapped and unleashed violence without hesitation, even under the harsh glare of the light.

"Ms. Youngworth, are you alright?" Stephen called out.

He wanted to approach, but Nathan soon held him back.

Suddenly, Hera lifted her head. Her cold and blood-smeared face became visible to everyone.

With her eyes blazing red, Hera flashed an eerie smile, sending a chill down Stephen's spine. It was then that Stephen only realized the depth of her peculiarity, and he couldn't help but shudder.

Hera's hand twitched unexpectedly, and in the next instant, she lunged forward with the dagger.

Bernard swiftly intercepted by grabbing her wrist that held the blade.

However, Hera anticipated his move. She released the dagger and caught it in her other hand, thrusting it straight toward Bernard's vulnerable spots.

With his other hand, Bernard swiftly seized hers.

With both of her hands locked in a tense struggle, Hera used her feet to push against him, forcing Bernard to release her.

Soon, they engaged in a swift exchange of fists amidst the trees.

Bernard's arm now bore a fresh cut from the dagger. Unlike the previous round, Hera's attacks were fiercer and more relentless this time. She remained unresponsive as though she was possessed.