The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 67] The Deadly Truth

Looking to the structure, it was much simpler than I expected it to be. It was obviously built using the neighboring trees, which explains why the land was bare around the structure. The shape of the home was almost a perfect square, though the length of the house was slightly longer than the width. Wooden shingles decorated the roof of the home; the wood stained a darker color to give dimension to the home. The wood stain and equipment to make a structured roof surely must've been bought at the local home improvement store, but it doesn't explain how none of us could find a receipt for such a transaction. The same goes for the windows. They were relatively large and gave whoever was inside enough depth of field for any intruders. From my angle, two large windows were at opposite ends of the wall while there is one half the size near the middle, which might indicate a bathroom.

However, the small window couldn't be perfectly at the center, much to my discomfort as I prefer perfect symmetry, because there a small shed built on the side of the home. For any typical home, the shed may contain gardening equipment and seasonal items, but the residences are anything but typical.

I wonder what dangers would be stored in such a compact shed.

Before I could linger at the thought any longer, I hear footsteps coming towards the front of the cabin. The sound was too faint for any normal ear to catch, but being a resident in the Forbidden Jungle, it's natural to have heightened senses likes the rest of the inhabitants. It's better to have to avoid any deadly encounters.

Nonetheless, I turn my head to the front only to find Emma's red jacket and my mom's burgundy blouse sticking out like a red stop sign. Even if their movements were somewhat silent, their attire will surely get them caught.

... Which is the point...

Knowing the danger they're putting themselves into, I choose to stay and watch whatever is about to occur, which is part of the plan as it is.

The two continue to sneak forward, attempting to be as quiet as they can, (I say attempt only because I know they can do better than that. I could bring up the last encounter for example.) but failing to sneak into their domain is only a part of the plan.

We need to get Sabor and Clayton out somehow. What better way than trying a poor excuse at a surprise attack to bring those two out of their cabin.

Then, like clockwork, the front door creaks open.

I don't know why but I jump at the sound. It just so... ominous.

"If you were trying to get into our home without us noticing, then you failed at it," Clayton's voice echoes from the front that it still hits my eardrum. Then footsteps come onto the front patio, signifying that exited the safety of his home. I wouldn't put it past him if he was already wielding a gun; he's just that predictable now.

"You two aren't really good at it," he criticizes. "You need to learn from the real experts."

I so badly wanted to jump out and say the real expert was standing over here, but that would compromise this whole plot so I keep myself grounded.

However, from my distance, I see Emma shake her head. I don't know if she chuckled as I heard a low rumble. "Thanks for the offer, but we already got what we wanted."

Clayton takes one final step until he was off of the porch. It was there where I see his entire physique from the back, along with a small glint of metal at his side.

Emma extends her hands out to the cabin. "We found your home."

"All that work just to find us." He jeers. "A little obsessive don't you think?"