#Chapter 525: The Leader’s Son

Nina I watched with bated breath as the weathered village leader, whose name I had learned was Kai, walked up to the hut where my friends and I were being held. As the others murmured amongst themselves, I kept my gaze fixed on the old leader. “Sir, please, you have to listen,” I said as soon as he opened the door. “We have to—” “Let me show you what happens to those who venture into Mila’s palace.” Kai’s voice was low and steady, but his eyes were filled with the look of someone who had been through much in his life. I swallowed, pulling my shoulders back. “Show me,” I replied as calmly as I could muster.” “Follow me.” … Kai didn’t turn to face me as we wove our way through the small homes and cooking fires. The distrustful stares from the villagers seemed to burn into the back of my neck, but I kept following the weathered old leader. “Where are you taking me?” I asked, pushing aside some plant fronds on the pathway. “There was only one who made it out of h