Chapter 175

When Dorothy reached the end of the path, she saw a girl holding the creature that had almost killed her earlier.

Mossy Kappa bared its teeth and started to growl as Dorothy approached.

Dorothy swallowed hard, still shaken from the earlier encounter.

"Mossy Kappa, chill out," Laura said, patting the creature's head to calm it down.

Once Mossy Kappa was soothed, Laura looked up at Dorothy.

"Who are you?" Laura asked.

"You're Kevin's friend, right?" Dorothy responded with a question of her own, not directly answering Laura.

Laura raised an eyebrow in surprise at the mention of Kevin's name.

She eyed Dorothy cautiously. "You know Kevin?"

Dorothy shook her head. "I don't just know Kevin, I know you too, Laura!"

A flash of something dangerous crossed Laura's eyes, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "What do you want?"

Even though Laura was smiling, Dorothy could feel the pressure emanating from her. She knew that if she said the wrong thing, that creature would attack her in an instant.

"No, no, you've got it wrong," Dorothy hurriedly explained.

She then recounted the events that had led her there.

"Really?" Laura frowned, still skeptical.

"Of course. How else would I know your name and Kevin's?" Dorothy insisted.

Despite this, Laura remained unconvinced. It was hard to trust someone who appeared out of nowhere claiming to know you.

But Laura was no fool. Even if she didn't trust Dorothy, she could play along.

Mossy Kappa, however, was not as sharp.

"Kevin's such an idiot. If I hadn't marked the way, he wouldn't have found it," Mossy Kappa grumbled.

Laura quickly covered Mossy Kappa's mouth, but it was too late.

Dorothy's eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape.

She quickly shut her mouth, but her eyes remained fixed on Mossy Kappa.

Mossy Kappa, annoyed at being silenced, looked up and saw Laura's dangerous glare. It immediately lowered its head.

"So, what do you plan to do now?" Laura asked.

Laura was aware of Kevin's plan to challenge the clan leader and felt a pang of worry.

"Kevin said to wait for him," Dorothy replied. "But don't worry, my dad is the one guarding you. When Kevin comes, whether he challenges the leader or not, I'll find a way to get you out."

"Can't you let me out now?" Laura asked, puzzled.

If she was freed now, she could leave, and Kevin wouldn't have to challenge the leader.

Dorothy shook her head. "No."

"Why not?" Laura asked, growing anxious.

"Because my dad is the one guarding you," Dorothy replied, frustrated.

Laura fell silent, realizing she hadn't considered that aspect. If she disappeared, Dorothy's father would be the first to be blamed.

"I'm sorry," Laura apologized for her rashness.

Dorothy sighed. "It's okay. When Kevin challenges the leader, things will get chaotic. I'll use the opportunity to get you out."

Laura nodded, understanding it was the best plan for now.

With that, Dorothy left. She had come to relay Kevin's message to ease Laura's worries.

As she walked away, Dorothy couldn't help but think, "He's really thoughtful."

After Dorothy left, Laura and Mossy Kappa sat in silence.

"Laura, why did you cover my mouth?" Mossy Kappa asked, wide-eyed.

Laura looked at Mossy Kappa, exasperated. "Do you think we can trust her?"

Mossy Kappa shook its head, indicating it didn't trust Dorothy either.

"Then why did you speak in front of her?" Laura retorted.

Mossy Kappa finally understood and knocked its head, cursing its own stupidity. "It's my fault for being so dumb."

Laura quickly stopped it. "It's okay. I know you meant well, but be more careful next time."

Mossy Kappa nodded earnestly.

Laura glanced outside, her eyes filled with caution. She knew she couldn't fully trust Dorothy and needed to stay vigilant.

"What should we do now? Should I just break you out?" Mossy Kappa suggested, growing anxious.

The only thing keeping Laura in was an iron door. It would be difficult for a regular person to open, but easy for Mossy Kappa. However, the noise would likely alert their captors before they could escape.

Laura shook her head. "No, we can't risk it. There are probably people watching, and we don't know this place well. If we act rashly, we'll get caught again."

Mossy Kappa nodded in agreement.

Exhausted from the day's events, Mossy Kappa soon fell asleep in Laura's arms.

Laura knew Mossy Kappa had worked hard to find her and felt a pang of sympathy. She didn't want to wake it.

She stared at Mossy Kappa, as if seeing someone else through it.

Softly, she whispered, "We'll just have to take it one step at a time and adapt as we go."

Meanwhile, outside the cave, Dorothy was feeling down.

Baron noticed her mood and, after some thought, asked, "What's wrong, Dorothy? Did something happen?"

At his question, Dorothy's eyes filled with tears.

"Don't cry, Dorothy. Tell me who upset you, and I'll deal with them," Baron said, flustered by her tears and trying to comfort her.

Hearing this, Dorothy hugged Baron tightly.

Baron was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered, gently patting her back like he did when they were kids, silently comforting her.

After a while, Dorothy's emotions settled.

She felt inadequate, thinking that if she were stronger, Baron wouldn't be stuck in this place. If only she were more capable, things might be different.

But such thoughts were futile.

Meanwhile, in another corner, I lay in bed, unable to sleep.

My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

Careful not to wake Helen, I quietly got up and slipped out of the cabin.

I found a quiet spot to sit and calm my thoughts.