Chapter 409: An Ambush (2)+ Urgent News! (1)

As Vanessa engaged her opponent, a shrill cry sliced through the air. As she cast a fleeting glance in the direction the sound was coming from, the woman's heart pounded painfully against her rib cage.

The sight that greeted her as she opened them was a jarring reminder of the truth of the situation they were in.

Declan, a stocky and experienced hunter who was a member of her team, had become incapacitated and fallen to his knees.

As he looked down at the sword sticking out of his abdomen, his eyes grew wide with shock, and his chest heaved violently. Declan collapsed to the ground as a Frantian soldier yanked the weapon away from him while smiling savagely.

As Vanessa watched the life leave Declan's face, time seemed to slow down for her. The man's once-animated eyes had become glassy and blind to everything around them.