Not A Small-Town Girl

"Mr. Darling, Xavier’s condition is very critical. I just checked—his ribs are broken, and some of his internal organs are damaged. He needs surgery immediately." Ethan spoke, urging action. Every life mattered at this point.

David suddenly spoke up, his voice low. "Orion, do you think the people in Whitepool Village can detoxify?"

Mentioning Whitepool Village made Orion uneasy. He knew that village kept to itself, saying, "They can detox, but I’m not sure if they can help Miss Darling. They rarely offer their services to outsiders. Blackpool Village and Whitepool Village don’t have much contact."

"Nathan, inform No. 1 to prepare. We’re heading to Whitepool Village now," David ordered, his tone steady.

Nathan’s eyes widened. "David, are you really calling in No. 1? You’re asking for trouble, bringing in that kind of muscle—this could blow the village wide open."

"Didn’t you hear me?" David’s voice turned icy.

Aran opened his mouth, but Nathan quickly dragged him out of the room.

"I heard you. I’ll let them know right away," Nathan said, pulling out his phone. Using No. 1 was bound to attract attention. He thought to himself, David’s love-stricken brain must be clouding his judgment...

Jaden’s eyes narrowed. "I’ll take Xavier back. You guys stay and keep an eye on Danielle."

Vivian, equally concerned about her daughter and son, replied, "Thanks, Mr. Johnson. Once we’re back in Soufield, you can contact his brothers to take care of him. Once Danielle’s fine, we’ll head back. Matthew, you should come too and get checked."

Matthew, feeling guilty for getting his siblings hurt, didn’t protest. "Okay."

Howard, noticing Matthew’s troubled expression, gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Don’t blame yourself. Xavier and Danielle, along with your mom and dad, came to save you because we wanted to. Don’t think too much about it. Once Danielle’s fine, we’ll head back."

"Got it."

After the arrangements, the doctors left with Jaden and the others, heading back to Soufield.

*****

They went to Whitepool Village.

"Mr. Charrington, let me speak with the people from Whitepool Village first. Take these detox pills, each of you should swallow one," Aran said, handing out the pills to the group.

David nodded silently, taking the pill.

Orion led them into Whitepool Village. As they reached the village entrance, they were blocked by armed guards holding sticks covered with poisonous needles.

"Orion, what brings you here?" the guard asked, suspicion evident on his face.

Orion softened his tone. "I need to speak with your village leader, Jason. It’s important."

"We’re sorry, Jason is not here. If you have something to discuss, we can relay the message to him," the guard replied, tightening his grip on his weapon.

Orion’s tone hardened. "What I need to say can only be heard by him. Step aside."

The guards didn’t budge. "We’re only following the village leader’s orders. If you have something to say, speak to us. Otherwise, leave."

Aran, fed up with the resistance, drew his gun and aimed it directly at the guards. "You better call Jason out, or things won’t end well for you."

The guards stiffened, their faces darkening. "You think you can just barge in?"

Without warning, they swung their sticks, sending a flurry of poisoned needles towards Aran. He swiftly dodged, drawing his knife and blocking the projectiles with sharp, fluid movements.

Orion, realizing the situation was escalating, shouted, "Stop! I’m here with a request for Jason. They mean you no harm. Please, listen!"

The guards remained firm. "We don’t deal with outsiders. Leave now."

David, unable to wait any longer, pulled out his gun and fired several shots into the air. The noise echoed through the village, drawing the attention of the villagers.