Chapter 9: CHAPTER NINE
In the cave
As Chief Cody's ultimatum echoed in his mind, he knew he had to act swiftly. With a sense of urgency propelling him forward, he began to devise a new plan to ensure He achieved his goal. “Zoa, is highly trained, what could be holding him? What is the problem? I hope he doesn't play a fast one on me. Because I’ll make sure he faces grave consequences.”
Time was slipping away, and failure was not an option.
The dense forest….
Meanwhile, Zoa took on the responsibility of guiding Nina through the unsafe forest. With each step, he remained watchful, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. He shielded her from the dangers that stalked in the woods, Although Nina was in pain, but Zoa’s presence was a comforting comfort amid the uncertainty of her journey.
As they pressed on, a nagging question gnawed at Zoa's heart. He wanted to know what really happened. Why did Chief Cody want Nina dead? What could she have possibly done to warrant such a ruthless pursuit? Unable to ignore his curiosity any longer, he decided to confront Nina and seek the truth.
"Nina," Zoa began tentatively, his voice laced with curiosity and concern. "I need to know why Chief Cody wants you dead. What's the reason behind all of this? What did you do?."
Nina's expression darkened as she recounted the events that had led to her current dilemma. She revealed the truth of her lineage and the lies that had been woven around her, knowing that Chief Cody was the one behind these lies, Nina was convinced that he wanted her out of the way.
"It all started with Chris asking me about my mother, he felt I kept a secret from my family from him, after hearing the lies he must have heard from his father," Nina confessed, her voice tinged with sorrow and heartache. The thought of it was breaking her heart, she had tried to move past it but the thought kept hunting her. "Chris believes his father’s lies and not my truth. I believe Chief Cody didn't like me. But putting up this lie against me to achieve his desires was too low for him."
Zoa listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of Nina's words. He couldn't understand the depths of Chief Cody's betrayal, chief was like a father to Nina, but everything still seemed unbelievable to him. but he promised to help Nina in any way he could.
“I might not promise you full protection from the chief, he is a very powerful man but I'm willing to help and lead you safely to Yoma,” he reassured.
As they continued their journey, Zoa started to take a liking to Nina. Her charisma was adoring, and she looked more beautiful and attractive than anything she laughed at. Nina’s loveable personality kept drawing Zoa close to her despite his inner willpower to overcome the attraction.
With each passing moment, the forest grew darker, The night was fast approaching. And they needed a comfortable place to rest for the night. Eventually, Zoa found a cave, it was not comfortable but it was good enough to rest for the night.
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As the journey continued, Zoa found himself drawn to Nina's charisma. She was such a sweetheart, respectful and down-to-earth. Despite Zoe's best efforts to resist, he couldn't help but feel a growing fondness for her. With each passing moment, Nina's laughter and warmth brightened the darkness of his heart, tossing magic over Zoa's heart.
As night plunged upon them, Zoa knew they needed to find shelter. The forest wasn't always safe at night and they needed to find a safe place to rest for the night.
Finally, Zoa spotted a cave nuzzled in between a large tree, he took Nina inside, the ground was rough, causing a little discomfort but Zoa tried and made some areas a little comfortable for Nina. It was a beautiful thing to experience as Nina smiled at him. Muttering a “Thank you.”
Inside the cave, Zoa set to work, gathering some wood, to light up the cave that was dark. Then he went ahead to arrange some grilled meat for dinner. While he was doing all of this, Nina watched with appreciation, she admired his care and support for her, and she was grateful beyond words.
"Thank you, Zoa," Nina said softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I never would have imagined that a trained assassin like you could be so caring and loving. I’m still finding it difficult to believe."
Zoa chuckled a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "I suppose you're right. Killers aren't known for their compassion. Our job is only to carry out the assignment without trace and report back."
Nina smiled sympathetically, her hand resting on her swollen belly. "But you showed compassion to me, you have provided for me, made me laugh so hard, and entertained me. Or is it because of my condition?" she remarked, her gaze meeting Zoa's.
Zoa nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I couldn't ignore your predicament, Nina. Despite what I've been trained to do, I couldn't bring myself to harm you, especially knowing you're carrying a child. I don't know how it happened but you did it, your charms caught up with me and softened my heart."
Nina smiled, “That’s so kind of you. Zoa, I appreciate you. We, myself and my baby are grateful,”
Zoa smiled back and nodded.
As they settled down for the night, a sense of friendship grew between them. They chatted and laughed, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they shared stories and memories.
Despite the uncertainty of their situation, Zoa and Nina found comfort in each other's company, their laughter echoing through the huge depths of the cave.
As exhaustion finally caught up with them, Nina drifted off to sleep, she was free from any worries as Zoa’s presence made her more relaxed.
While Nina Slept, Zoa admired her innocent look but then, he knew That there would be a problem. Chief Cody doesn't back down so easily. And he feared for their lives.