Chapter 209 Reluctant to Part

Chapter 209 Reluctant to Part

Thomas knew this journey to the Deer Tribe was full of unknowns and dangers, but for everyone's safety and survival, he had to take this brave step.

Mary understood the responsibility she carried too. She silently vowed to do everything she could to help Thomas complete the mission and protect him.

Even if it meant risking her own life, she had to make sure Thomas survived. This was the task Amanda had given her.

After dinner, everyone sat around the campfire, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

Thomas pulled out the map Karen had given him earlier and went over the route and plan to the Deer Tribe with Mary, not missing a single detail.

Meanwhile, Sita asked Thomas for a piece of paper and a pen, then sat aside, focused on drawing.

In no time, a lifelike image of a fruit appeared on the paper.

The fruit was about the size of an apple, round and plump, with a mysterious deep purple skin.

In the firelight, it seemed to emit a faint glow, like a treasure shrouded in a purple veil.

The stem was slightly indented, naturally connecting to the fruit, as if it had been meticulously crafted. The fruit's surface had some fine textures.

Mary curiously asked, "Sita, what is this?"

Sita looked up at everyone's puzzled expressions and slowly began to explain, "To reach the Deer Tribe, there's a shortcut through a cave that would be faster."

"But it's filled with dangers, not only with venomous snakes lurking in the dark but also with moss that emits toxic gas. If poisoned, the situation would be very critical."

Thomas asked curiously, "Is there any way to detoxify?"

Sita nodded and pointed to the fruit on the paper.

"If you are unfortunate enough to get poisoned, look for this unique fruit from our tribe, the Deer Fruit. It has magical properties that can neutralize the cave's toxins."

Thomas carefully examined the fruit on the paper, imprinting its image in his mind, then solemnly nodded.

He watched for a while, then carefully put away the paper and pen, feeling an added sense of caution and preparation for the journey ahead.

He knew the road ahead was fraught with peril, but every piece of information could be the key to their safe return.

Everyone's expressions grew serious, silently praying for Thomas and Mary, hoping they could avoid danger and successfully complete their mission.

In the cave, Amanda held Thomas tightly, refusing to let go.

Tomorrow, Thomas would embark on this perilous journey, and this last night was incredibly precious to her.

She longed to spend as much time as possible with Thomas, imprinting his warmth and presence deeply in her memory.

"You have to promise me, no matter what happens, you must come back."

Amanda's voice was choked with emotion, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry. She had been in a bad mood these past two days.

Just as she and Thomas had reconciled, now he had to leave again, filling her heart with sorrow.

Seeing Amanda like this, Thomas felt a deep ache in his heart.

He gently raised his hand, caressing Amanda's cheek, a tender smile playing on his lips.

Then he kissed her lightly on the face, trying to soothe her anxious heart: "The stone heart I gave you before is our talisman."

"Remember, as long as it remains unbroken, I'll be fine."

Thomas's voice was low and firm, as if making a promise to Amanda, and also to himself.

Amanda clutched the stone heart tightly, pressing it to her chest, as if she could feel Thomas's heartbeat through it.

She looked at Thomas, silently vowing that if he returned safely, she would find a chance to confess her feelings to him.

To truly be with him, never to part, sharing life and death. Whatever Thomas wanted from her, she would willingly give, even if it meant serving him.

All Amanda wanted was for them to return safely.

As night deepened, they fell asleep in each other's arms, filled with both anxiety and hope for the future.

Their dreams that night were likely intertwined with thoughts of each other and the uncertainties of the journey ahead.

When the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and into the cave, a new day began, signaling the start of Thomas and Mary's departure.

They found Karen, their expressions serious as they explained their intentions. Karen was shocked, "Are you really going? This isn't a joke, right?"

Thomas's eyes showed a mix of determination and worry, "Karen, if we don't return in a week, please take care of Amanda and the others."

"Protect them well. They are our family, and I trust you to guard them as we would, especially Amanda."

Karen's eyes welled up with tears, her voice choked with emotion, "I promise you. You owe me a lot, so you must come back safely."

"I'll do my best to protect them. Go with peace of mind, and come back safe. You still owe me."

Thomas and Mary nodded heavily, knowing this was not just a promise but a trust and responsibility.

Mary hugged Karen, saying, "Remember, if we don't return in a week, move the camp and leave us a sign."

Karen nodded, now in tears.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. Thomas shouldered his prepared backpack.

It contained a knife, rope, gunpowder, crossbow bolts, and other tools they might need.

These tools glinted with a cold metallic sheen in the sunlight.

Mary carried some food, gripping an axe tightly, her eyes filled with determination and courage.

Despite her fear of the unknown, she chose to move forward.

George, the loyal dog, perched on Mary's shoulder, its small eyes reflecting a mix of unease but more so loyalty and a resolve to stay by its owner's side.

Since meeting Mary and coming here, George had always been by her side, helping her. Their bond was very close.

So it wasn't afraid.

Amanda hugged Thomas and Mary tightly, saying, "You two must come back, or I won't forgive you."

At this moment, Amanda couldn't hold back her tears, crying in front of them for the first time.

After crying, she kissed Thomas, a gesture of the talisman he had given her, now her turn to respond.

Mary, instead of teasing them, cried as well. She had hoped to see their future together, unsure if she would witness it.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Thomas and Mary turned resolutely towards the Deer Tribe.

Their figures, illuminated by the morning sun, seemed lonely yet incredibly determined, each step filled with the quest for the unknown and the desire to survive.

Amanda watched this scene, her heart aching as if cut by a knife, clutching the stone heart in her hand.