Chapter 287: Hold On Tight

Nearing their destination, expressions of relief surrounded Moulin for the first time. His emotions weren't less similar to what the others were feeling as well. So far, nothing has happened as they reached the bridge. They began to dismount and remove their essential items from the saddles. They were calm and quick as they worked to transfer the items into their void pouches. However, Moulin couldn't help but feel slightly cautious. The feeling bothered him a lot.

'Ao?'

Snow tilted his head and blinked as Moulin gently placed the little beast to sit on his shoulders. Ignoring the weight, Moulin finished up shortly, and he patted his horse fondly. Silver eyes grew concerned as he stared at the large beast. It was a loss to send them away, but they had no other choice. Moulin only hoped the beasts live freely.

"Ready?" Emlen spoke as he gently grasped Moulin's shoulder.

Nodding, Moulin slowly took a step back from his horse, watching the animal huff.

After a while, a group member sent the first horse galloping away and caused the rest of the mounts to follow after. The sound of their hooves gradually diminished as they departed. From then on, they were now part of the forest.

Patting Moulin's shoulder, Emlen showed a faint smile before leading his little brother to Hadrian's side. Awaiting Lord Hadrian's command, all of them patiently stared at the wooden bridge.

The bridge appeared as if it was built hurriedly. The wooden planks looked like they would break at the faintest touch, sending everything down into the pitch-black pit. The ropes looked loose and strikingly thin as if they would snap in the next second. However, what was most alarming was the ominous murky green fog surrounding it. It was like a blanket of poison killing anyone who would dare take a step forward to the bridge. The very thought of it sent chills down Jagra's back. Were they really going to cross it?

"The bridge doesn't look sturdy enough to support all of us," Ghana muttered as she clutched her spear. Her blue eyes narrowed.

"I can see that..." Jagra pressed his lips together. The skin between his brows showed a worried split, evidently showing his anxious thoughts.

Moulin raised a hand and stroked Snow's furry head as he kept a calm countenance. Somehow, he didn't like the thought of crossing the bridge. If he did, he felt as if something terrible was going to happen. His concern made his heart pound wildly.

"I sensed no trace of toxins in the air, My Lord." One person reported.

Nodding, Emlen positioned himself beside Moulin and spoke. "It would be better to reduce the number of people crossing the bridge first. Perhaps, five people in each crossing."

"Very well," Hadrian agreed.

They were a total of twenty. Therefore with five people crossing the bridge each time, it would be much faster and safer.

Moulin glanced at Hadrian and witnessed the determined look in the Golden Lord's eyes. But surprisingly Moulin felt a trace of doubt. It turns out; even the powerful Hercullian Lord was worried about the situation as well.

"My Lord..." One man spoke behind Hadrian hesitantly. "Shall... we proceed?"

...

After a few seconds of silence, Hadrian finally responded with a nod.

"Moulin, go first with the others," Emlen said.

"Brother..."

"It will be alright. I will be at ease to know that you're safe. You're smart enough to know when to retreat or move forward at the first sign of danger. Trust me, alright?"

"..." Moulin lowered his gaze and nodded. "Alright..."

With a sigh, he joined Jagra and two others as well as Kier. Kier huffed as he neared Moulin. The massive beast nuzzled his nose on Moulin's chest like a pup trying to get his attention. Kier would be leading them through the bridge.

Before he turned to face the bridge, Moulin caught Hadrian's deep gaze. Those golden pupils seemed to pierce through his heart. Moulin could feel the turbulent emotions within them. Hadrian was worried. Aiming to soothe his lover's concern, Moulin revealed a faint smile as if telling Hadrian that he would be alright.

Hadrian breathes, ignoring the scorching dusty air that entered his lungs, feeling his heart calmed down. It was bur a brief exchange between the two, but it was enough for comfort.

Raising his right hand, Hadrian signaled the group to move onward.

Every step taken is with hesitation and caution. The black earthen rocks crumbled beneath their boots as they neared the old bridge. It was the ominous energy that the bridge emitted which planted concern and fear in their minds. But they also knew that if they were to stay put any longer, their presence would soon be discovered by malibreeds.

"Moulin..." Jagra whispered behind him. His eyebrows furrowed. "What of the other side of the bridge? Will malibreeds be welcoming us?"

Moulin shook his head. "Kier will alert us if he senses something. Don't worry."

The wood creaked beneath their feet. The rails of rope trembled as they received the weight of the five. The planks wobbled in every step they took. Between the wooden boards, the gaps revealed the dark depths underneath them, waiting to be fed. Moulin subconsciously counted each step as he alternately glanced at his feet and up ahead while he walked.

When he looked back, the start of the bridge had already disappeared within the thick fog. Dread then sank into his gut, but he kept moving.

"No doubt about this. With all the noise, we're soon to attract a horde of malibreeds." Jagra muttered as he struggled to steady himself.

Although his words were soft, it was loud enough for all of them to hear. The first two people at the front stiffened as at his words. They began to soften their steps as much as they can while hurriedly following the large wolf leading the front. Moulin glanced at Jagra, who only shrugged, oblivious of the fear he started.

"Ao?" Snow suddenly raised his head.

Moulin drew his brows together. "What is it, Snow?"

"Please let it not be something terrifying." Jagra prayed softly as he eyed Snow.

However, the fox only perked his ears as he settled back on Moulin's shoulders. Based on his peaceful actions, Moulin figured the little snow-white fox was just curious.

Soon enough, Kier lets out a bark as he reached the end of the bridge. Relief instantly clouded them. Although he did felt relieved for safely crossing the bridge, Moulin couldn't shake off the strange feeling bothering him. He felt as if he was... watched.

The fog had dispersed at the end of the bridge, and they were welcomed with the sight of the treeless plains of ash-grey. The skies remained dull and lifeless above their heads. With a thud, relieved people sat on the ground. Moulin didn't. He remained standing, quietly observing the fog-covered bridge.

Facing the fog, Kier released sound waves that could only be interpreted by none other than his master, Hadrian. It was the message of success. The black wolf's golden eyes burned with power.

"I believe it's the others' turn to cross the bridge." Jagra stood up from the ground with a heavy groan. Strangely, he felt sluggish and exhausted. Admittedly, he was trembling in fear as to he crossed the bridge. He couldn't do well with heights.

"Yes..." Moulin nodded as he waited.

He knew Hadrian would choose to stay behind the group to make sure all of them had crossed the bridge safely. It was admirable of him, but Moulin couldn't help but worry. Drawing his eyebrows together, he frowned.

He couldn't help but hate the distance between them.

Suddenly, the dormant fox on Moulin's shoulder raised his head again. Silver eyes are glowing intensely.