Scarlett took the bottle and held Nina’s cheeks, pouring the black liquid into her mouth.Nina coughed violently as the bitter, pungent taste hit her. It woke her up but leaving her weak and slumped over the camel’s hump.Scarlett, worried about her, called out, “Nina, are you okay? Can you hear me?” Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.”Yes,” Nina replied weakly, feeling like a dying fish.Scarlett, fearing Nina might fall, kept her arm around her waist. Eventually, even Scarlett began to feel faint.She had also drunk the bitter tree juice, which had a strong and overwhelming taste. It was only thanks to July and Moana that they managed to make it out of the desert.As they emerged from the desert, they reached a barren land. The temperature difference between day and night was extreme. They set up camp, built a fire, and pitched their tents. While they had food, they had no water left. Gathered around the fire, warming themselves, Moana handed them a water bag. “We can’t go any further today. It’s another three-hour journey to the nearest inhabited place, but we’ve been traveling all day. We need to rest.” July translated for them.Scarlett had just taken the water bag when a chilling howl pierced the air.Nina shivered. Wolves! There were wolves here!However, they were armed with guns and the locals did not seem the least bit worried by the sound. They heard the howls without showing any sign of panic.Scarlett patted Nina on the shoulder. “Stay by the fire for a while, then get into the tent.”Nina, who had never experienced anything like this, hadn’t broken down crying. Scarlett admired her strength. They had already integrated with the locals and could be in a better position to negotiate their next steps effectively. Nina shook her head.Such situations would arise frequently. Avoiding one meant facing another. War would be even harsher than the current scenario.She needed to be strong.”We’re surrounded by wolves. It’s best if you hide in the tent,” Scarlett insisted. The sight might leave Nina traumatized.Suddenly, pairs of glowing eyes appeared around them, reflecting the firelight. They were surrounded by wolves, their fangs glinting.Nina’s breath caught in her throat. The tension was palpable.As the wolves charged, the men behind them quickly rose, weapons ready, engaging the wolves in a chaotic fight.Despite the chaos, one wolf targeted Nina, pouncing on her. She was knocked to the ground, its paw swiping at her face.A cold sweat broke out on Nina’s back. But the expected pain did not come. Instead, there was a loud bang and then another. The wolf collapsed on top of her, its blood splattering across her face.Her throat went dry, tightening with fear. Summoning her strength, she pushed the wolf off.Scarlett rushed over, her face etched with concern. “Nina, are you alright?””I’m fine,” Nina replied, shaking her head. It had been a close call.