Maria nodded happily, patting Hazel's shoulder.
"Good. They deserve this, I was at my wits to kill them seeing how they treated that man."
Hazel gave a small nod in return. Betty's expression, however, turned grim at the sudden sound of approaching footsteps.
"Who's there? Come out!"
A rough male voice called out, and the sound of heavy boots approached their hiding spot.
A burly man emerged from the shadows, holding a torch in one hand and a pistol in the other.
"I said come out, or I'll start shooting!"
The bushes rustled.
"Rustle… rustle…"
The man swung his pistol toward the sound, only to see three figures emerging from the trees—a man supporting a young woman, followed by another limping beside them.
"Help… please, help," Betty called out, her voice trembling.
The man narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he saw them more clearly—one man and two women.
"Stop right there! Who are you three?"
Betty, supporting Maria by her arm, spoke in a panicked tone.
