The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 522

Chapter 522

Chapter 522

that the black–clad men hadn’t yet reached this side of the main hall.

Fortunately, the temple was large enous ehind the main hall, none of the intruders had noticed them.

By the time Athena and Jessa emerged from

Athena let out a soft sigh of relief, but before she could even catch her breath, she froze in her tracks.

Four or five black–clad men suddenly blocked their path. Each brandished a long sword, glaring at them with menacing looks.

With their escape route cut off, their only choice was to fight for their lives.

Jessa sneered. “Persistent bastards, aren’t they?”

Drawing her sword from her waist, she leapt into action. As she soared, she shouted to Athena, “Run!”

With a single slash, her blade unleashed a torrent of sword energy that surged straight for the black–clad men’s faces.

Clearly aware of her prowess, the black–clad men dared not engage head–on and scattered to avoid her attack.

Seeing this, Athena could only run forward with all her might. She realized that if she stayed, she’d just be a burden to Jessa.

Jessa watched Athena dash away without looking back, a relieved smile flickering across her face.

‘Decisive and never hesitating in a crisis, no wonder Prince Xander fell for her, Jessa thought.

She’d been afraid Athena would cling to her, sobbing and refusing to leave.

Now, with Athena gone, Jessa could focus all her attention on the assassins.

Her sword strikes grew even fiercer, each strike aimed for vital points.

The black–clad men were completely pinned down by Jessa, unable to break free.

Just as Athena was about to disappear into the woods, one of the assassins suddenly flung a cloud of poison powder.

Seeing this, Jessa leapt back. Seizing the opportunity, two black–clad men broke away to pursue Athena.

The rest kept Jessa engaged in fierce combat.

Jessa watched in horror as the black–clad men chased after Athena, her heart pounding with anxiety.

These relentless assailants were impossible to shake. Even though she dodged just in time, she still inhaled a lot of poison powder.

Her vision blurred, and her mind clouded over.

Jessa’s movements slowed, and she was a beat too late. Her arm was slashed by a sword.

The pain snapped her back to awareness for a fleeting moment, but almost instantly, sluggishness overtook her again..

“Athena, run…” Jessa choked out with immense effort as her consciousness faded, then collapsed to the ground.

Seizing their chance, the black–clad men quickly subdued her.

Meanwhile, Athena raced down the mountain path to the edge of a sheer cliff.

Ahead stretched a rickety chain bridge, swaying precariously in the mountain wind.

1892

Chapter 522

Just as Athena wat about to step onto the bridge, a harsh voice from behind abruptly halted her.

“Stop! Take another step and the’s dead!” one of the men threatened.

Athena whirled around, her heart sinking, to see several black–clad figures clutching tightly to Jessa. They had caught up.

Jessa remained conscious, but she was completely drained of strength,

She gazed feebly at Athena, murmuring in a fading voice, “Athena… run… just run… don’t worry about me…”

Blood dripped from Jessa’s wounded hand, staining her sleeve crimson.

Athena’s heart clenched as she forced down her panic. Staring down the black–clad men, she demanded, “it’s me you want, let Jessa go!”

The black–clad men exchanged uncertain glances, momentarily hesitating

“Still want those pawn tickets?” Athena countered sharply. “I’ve got them right here. Let Jessa go, and I’ll come with you willingly.”

The black–clad man furrowed his brow and snapped, “How do we know you’re not lying?”

Athena pulled out a stack of papers from her coat, her voice rising. “Isn’t your master looking for these very pawn tickets? Take me back and you can report success. All I want is my friend’s safety. It’s a fair deal for you.

“Think it over, are you letting her go or not?”

The black–clad man paused, then sneered. “A cornered rat like you, what makes you think you can bargain with us?”

Clearly, they had no intention of freeing Jessa.