Meanwhile, Aisha was petrified in place. She gulped hard, feeling the cold metal on her skin. She was also shocked to see Ren appear there. Did he come to save her and Maya?
"Answer wisely, or my hand will slip and slash the tender skin. It will be on you if that happens."
He pressed the blade more against her skin, making her gasp in horror. Aisha's face turned pale as she could see her reflection on the shiny weapon. If she made a wrong move here, her head would roll.
"You demon!"
"Chief Advisor! Should we attack them?"
The men from both sides were ready with their weapons. All they needed was a command, and a battle would erupt.
However, Archibald and Ren made no movement. It was unknown what was on their mind then. While Archibald was waiting for his answer, the latter couldn't tear his gaze off Aisha.
Archibald noticed how he stared at her, and his eyes narrowed in displeasure. Clutching her shoulder tighter, he said coldly in a commanding manner to her, "Don't you have anything to say to your people?"
Aisha grimaced because he squeezed her shoulder too hard. However, she knew Archibald wouldn't kill her.
The sword on her neck was scary, but if she asked for Ren's help, there might be a chance for her and Maya to escape.
Seemingly noticing her train of thought, Archibald whispered beside her ears. "You'd better cooperate obediently. I need you, but I do not need your guard or these people. I can just sink your people to the bottom of the sea, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."
Aisha shuddered, hearing his threat. She didn't regret her decision to save human life, but would her action indirectly cause more suffering for people? If she didn't interfere, would Ren be able to save her and Maya from this tyrant?
No, there was no use thinking about 'what if.' She couldn't let this person do anything to her people.
Aisha swallowed a massive lump in her throat before saying, "Ren, please tell them how to escape from this mist."
The two men's brows twitched upon hearing her words.
Archibald's gaze became more hostile once he heard the name 'Ren' slip her mouth. It was the same name she uttered when she was sick. This Ren person she dreamed about longingly was that feminine man all along?
Meanwhile, Ren was displeased by how she pleaded for the enemy's safety. Even if she was scared, she should have at least put some trust in him. They had known each other since childhood; she should know better that he wouldn't come here without proper planning.
"Priestess, I believe you don't understand the current situation. They wouldn't dare to harm you because they still had some use for you, but once they got out of this area, there would be no turning back for you."
Aisha bit her lips. She knew that, but she had seen what these people were capable of. Even though Ren brought their most skilled combatant, it would still not be enough. All that was left would be unnecessary bloodshed.
"No, the Priestess makes a wise choice here," Archibald laughed provocatively, "You guys couldn't do anything when she was taken away, so why should she trust you with her safety? I think she instinctively knows who is superior here. Isn't that right, Priestess?"
Ren gritted his teeth. His usually composed face twisted into an ugly expression, and Archibald couldn't be happier to see him riled up like that.
He wanted to play with them further, so they would know who they were messing up with.
No one could bother what belonged to him.
Archibald released her shoulder before using his free hand to caress her cheek. He enjoyed the fluster on her face. "You sure know how to behave after I tame you a bit. Do you like it when I spoil you like that night?"
Ren's eyes widened when he heard that. Veins bulged out of his skin as he glared at Archibald with murderous intent. His voice was low and threatening as he asked, "What did you do to her?"
"How rude of you. We don't talk about what happen in the bedroom publicly. Do you intend to embarrass the Priestess? What a mannerless man."
Ren shifted his gaze to Aisha, and seeing the blush on her face, it seemed what he told him wasn't a lie after all.
Rage built up within him as he put his sword on the hilt. With the fire blazing in his eyes, he shouted, "All men, prepare to attack!"
"No!" Aisha shouted. "This is misunder—hmph!"
Archibald quickly covered her mouth before she could say anything. "Good job provoking them. Now, it's time for the finale. All men, brace yourself and prepare for a counterattack!"
Ren and his men were shocked to see there were still a huge amount of enemies left. No, it was like the amount hadn't been reduced at all. As if the mist didn't affect them, but how could that be possible?
"Are you curious? How we be able to escape your scheme unscathed?" Archibald smirked, noticing the confusion on their faces.
"If you are curious, then I don't mind telling you. It was all thanks to our benevolent and powerful Priestess. Isn't that right?" He said as he turned to Aisha. The latter couldn't help but lower her gaze guiltily.
At that time, Aisha's and Ren's gazes met. She felt like she could see a trace of betrayal and accusation in his eyes; it stabbed her conscience.
Aisha didn't know it would end like this. But it was true that she had helped their enemies to pull a fast one on them. She felt burdened and complicated inside.
"Ah, look at what you have done. You hurt your knight in shining armor's heart. He must not have expected that. Contrary to his display of loyalty, he seemed to underestimate the extent of your naivety."
Aisha glared at Archibald. As expected, this person was rotten to the core. She must be crazy for thinking he had a good side, even for a second!
Vexed by the situation, Aisha couldn't be careless about the swords on her neck anymore and bit his hand hard. Archibald's hold on her loosened, and she used the chance to slip away from his grasp. The sharp swords grazed her neck due to her abrupt movement, causing blood to trickle down from her slender neck, but she didn't care.
"You!" Archibald was so shocked--almost terrified by her recklessness. He was rooted on the spot and couldn't prevent her from escaping.
"Ren! Please stop this! Maya is injured. She is in terrible shape right now. Don't fall for their tricks!"
Ren was about to signal his men to advance but halted in his track. He looked to see her screaming at the top of her lung, despite her wounded neck.
"If you continue, more people will lose their lives. You absolutely can't fight them!"