Lahat ng Kabanata ng Mate? Or Die!: Kabanata 111 - Kabanata 120

The sun was up as we made our way to the canyon. Dominic led the way. Zone followed close behind with his hand resting on his sword. Rachel and Gilly were at my side. Gilly was leaning on Rachel for support as she regained her strength.The air felt heavier here, every sound was amplified and echoing off the rock.“Something’s not right,” Sally murmured in my mind.“I feel it too,” I replied with my senses sharpening as I scanned the cliffs above. The silence was unnerving.“We should move faster,” Zone said in a low but urgent tone.“Relax,” Dominic called over his shoulder, his tone infuriatingly casual. “This path is clear. I’ve used it dozens of times.”Zone’s growl was barely audible. “And how do we know you’re not leading us into a trap?”Dominic turned, walking backward with a grin. “Like I said, If I wanted you dead, you’d already be dead. Trust me, big guy.”I clenched my fists. “Keep moving. We’re too exposed here.”Dominic smirked but complied, turning forward again.Then a

The camp had been unusually quiet that morning, but my thoughts were anything but still. Gilly was stronger now—more alert, more alive than she’d been since her rescue—but I couldn’t help noticing how Dominic avoided looking at her. His usual smirk was absent, and he kept his eyes away from from hers.Gilly seemed to notice, too. She stood a little apart from us, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed and her eyes fixed on Dominic as if she were trying to solve a puzzle.“Gilly,” I said softly, walking over to her. “How are you feeling?”“Better,” she said. “A lot better, actually.” She hesitated as her gaze flickered toward Dominic. “But something’s off with him. He keeps avoiding me.”I followed her eyes, watching Dominic as he checked his weapons with meticulous precision. “That’s just how he is,” I said, though I couldn’t deny the unease creeping into my chest.“Serena,” Gilly said quietly with her voice almost a whisper. “He feels… familiar. I don’t know how to explain it,

Sylvia found me in the dungeon with Ardan and Dominic. She lunged at me, wanting to hit me when I stepped back and she fell on her face.“Go back there, now!” She demanded but I refused to move. “Dominic, tell her to move!” Sylvia demanded but Dominic chuckled. He told Sylvia to get out.“Get out? Pardon me?” Sylvia asked confused.“Don’t make repeat myself, Sylvia.” Dominic threatened and with her head low, she walked out of the dungeon.I then stood behind Dominic, watching Ardan’s battered body writhing on the stretcher. His wounds festered with angry red streaks spreading over his skin. I heart broke by just merely staring at him.Dominic stood tall in front of me. He turned his head slightly, as he looked over Ardan with indifference. “He’ll survive—hopefully,” he muttered.I stopped myself from lashing out. Sally was furious. She hated the way I was still even in this circumstance. But I couldn’t risk it. Not yet.Ardan’s eyes landed on me. His voice was hoarse. “Serena… what ar

The heels of my shoes clicked against the floors of the entrance of the mall, a sound that got on my nerves with every step and not to talk about the tight skirt Dominic had forced me into that left little room for comfort or dignity. The fabric kept on clinging to my skin. Beside him, Sylvia clung to his arm with her whiny voice filling the air.“Do we really have to bring “her” along?” Sylvia complained, throwing a pointed glare in my direction.Dominic, disguised as Ardan, didn’t spare her a glance. “She stays,” he said abruptly with his tone leaving no room for argument.Sylvia huffed, stomping her feet in protest. “Fine. But don’t expect me to enjoy this.”I didn’t hide my lack of interest in their shopping excursion either. The thought of spending hours trailing after them while they indulged in trivial luxuries was nauseating. But Dominic noticed my quiet displeasure, and his grip on

Ardan’s hands were warm and I hadn’t realised that I longed for his touch ever since.“You shouldn’t be here,” he whispered.“And let you suffer alone?” I said softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “Not a chance.”Ardan’s eyes locked onto mine. “Dominic is dangerous, Serena. He’s not just playing games. He’ll kill you if you stand in his way.”“I know the risks,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “But I’m not leaving without you.”“You’ve always been stubborn,” he murmured as he smiled.I smiled back. “And you’ve always worried too much.”His expression grew serious again. “I’m not worried without reason, Serena. This place—it’s crawling with Dominic’s loyalists. And Sylvia…” He paused. “She’s just as dangerous in her own way