Ch. 404: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 404

Chapter 404

At least ten wolves circled them.

Without the guns, they would’ve been dead meat.

But these people…

Their diet, beliefs, and experiences were different. They skinned the wolves with bare hands, then roasted the meat over the fire without hesitation.

The woman handed Norah a roasted wolf leg. She shook her head.

She couldn’t eat.

Even now, the scent of wolf blood clung to her breath.

Karina gave her the last piece of bread she had, along with the black leaf sap from earlier.

Norah sniffed the sap and felt a bit more alert. She pulled out her phone—still no signal.

They’d be spending the night here. Tomorrow, it would take another three hours to reach civilization, and even then, she still had to get to the Yi tribe.

When would she finally see Steven and Kevin?

Norah hugged herself, staring up at the night sky.

The stars and moon shone bright, undisturbed.

At the same time, in another place, Kevin wasn’t having it any easier.

He had met the people he was supposed to, received his new mission, but there was still no word from Levi or Frank.

The last they knew, Norah had gotten off the plane.

That was it.

Unlike back home, where they could pull strings and track people down, here, there were no resources. No easy way in or out.

It was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Since arriving, Kevin had been in constant motion, dodging bullets every day. He hadn’t even had time to smoke.

But now, the urge hit him hard.

Levi noticed and immediately handed him a cigarette.

Kevin lit up, the smoke curling around his face, his thoughts unreadable.

Levi knew better than to push.

"Captain Edwards, I already sent word. I also got a photo of Madam from Kian. If there's any news, you’ll know first."

Kevin stayed silent.

This place was nothing like Craggaville. Back home, if someone went missing, you could leverage connections. Here? No such luck.

He had arranged everything to keep Norah safe, hoping she’d stay in Craggaville, focus on her work, live her life.

But now…

He couldn’t reach her. Couldn’t protect her. Couldn’t even warn her.

Levi hesitated before speaking again.

"Captain, you should rest. You’re still injured."

Kevin exhaled sharply, tossing the cigarette aside. His face was cold, unreadable.

"What's the update on Pharaoh?"

Levi sighed. "Not good. Patrols have tightened. Our guys can’t get through."

Kevin’s jaw clenched. His eyes darkened, his anger a slow-burning fire.

He looked like a man who had walked straight out of hell.

Levi’s voice dropped. "We’ll keep following up. You just focus on recovering."

"No need," Kevin said flatly. "I’m leaving for the Yi tribe now."

They had already connected with their contacts. There was no reason to wait.

"But, Captain Edwards—"

Levi hesitated.

Kevin was still recovering. Charging into another war zone could get them all killed.

Kevin, however, didn’t waver.

"This is nothing," he said. "Let’s go."

Levi had no choice. He knew Kevin’s mind was fixed on one thing—Norah.

As long as she was missing, he wouldn’t rest.

So, they set out for the Yi tribe overnight.

Norah couldn’t sleep.

As the night stretched on, the temperature dropped sharply. The others slowly drifted off, but the fire couldn’t burn forever. Eventually, she had to retreat into the tent.

Karina hadn’t slept either. Even though Norah moved quietly, she caught the slightest sound.

"Get some rest," Karina murmured. "You need to keep up your strength. Didn't you hear Steven’s recordings?"

Norah was surprised.

Karina was just as exhausted but still awake.

"You haven’t slept either?" Norah asked.

Karina smirked. "How could I? Besides, someone has to watch over you."

Norah exhaled. "I get it. But we’re already here. We have to push forward."

Karina’s voice softened. "I know."

But Norah’s mind was spinning.

Kevin. Steven.

And that tiny, newborn face…

The horrifying moment from earlier flashed before her eyes.

"Karina," Norah whispered, her voice tight. "Do you think something’s wrong with me?"

Karina’s brows lifted.

"Wrong?"

Norah swallowed hard.

She had been so sure that getting here meant finding Steven and Kevin quickly. She hadn’t expected delays, setbacks—

She had underestimated the journey itself.

And now, she wasn’t even sure how much further she had to go.

Karina’s eyes gleamed in the dim light.

"Honestly? There’s nothing wrong with you. But you’re exhausted. If you’re drained, why don’t we—"

"No."

Norah’s voice was firm.

She had come this far. She wouldn’t stop now.

Not until she found them.

Right then—

A sudden noise outside.

A car engine.

Both women tensed.

Karina placed a hand on Norah’s arm.

"Relax," she whispered. "Probably just a passing car. We’ve got people around us. If anything happens, I’ll protect you."

Her tone was steady, reassuring.

Her job was to keep Norah safe. Even if it cost her everything.

Norah took a slow breath.

"It just caught me off guard," she admitted.

Fear wasn’t the issue.

It was the unpredictability of it all. The uncertainty.

Karina nodded. "Get some rest."

Silence settled between them.

Then, out of nowhere, Norah spoke again.

"Karina, when Kevin asked you to take care of me… did he say anything else? When I gave birth, did he—"

Karina cut in quickly.

"No."

Norah studied her carefully.

Karina was lying.

But she wouldn’t say more.

Kevin had his reasons.

Meanwhile, miles away, Kevin rode through the Gobi Desert.

Above him, the brightest North Star shone, illuminating the vast, open land.

And ahead, his only destination—

Norah.