The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 432

Chapter 432 Night of the Black Scorpions

“Keep moving.” Lucas ordered in a low voice. “We need shelter before nightfall.”

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By dusk, the team found a temporary refuge among a cluster of weathered rocks. The towering stone walls formed a natural barrier that shielded them from the raging sandstorm.

“We’ll camp here,” Lucas said, scanning the surroundings. “The rocks will reflect heat and help us stay warm through the night.”

The team quickly set up their tents. Sloane took out a pouch of her special powder and scattered it around the perimeter. “This should keep away nocturnal pests,” she said.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature plummeted. Hart rubbed his arms, his breath fogging in the cold air. “Jesus, it’s gotta be at least ten below,” he muttered.

Shawn rummaged through his pack and pulled out a block of solid fuel. “Let’s light a fire before we freeze to death.”

The flames crackled to life, casting a warm orange glow across the camp. The group huddled close, sharing what little food they had left.

Suddenly, Sloane stiffened. “Shh. Don’t make a sound…”

A faint rustling echoed from all directions, growing louder by the second. Hart swung his flashlight toward the darkness–and froze. Swarming out of the cracks in the rocks were countless jet–black scorpions. Their shells shimmered under the firelight with an eerie violet–blue gleam.

Sloane’s face went pale. “The repellent isn’t working on them!”

Gunfire rang out, but the bullets only sparked against the hard shells. There were too many of them–shooting was useless.

“Scatter!” Marcus roared.

A scream followed. One of the men collapsed, a scorpion latched onto his leg, its stinger buried deep. Within seconds, his entire limb had turned a sickly black–purple.

The color spread fast, creeping toward his thigh.

“I’m sorry…” Marcus said through clenched teeth–and swung his blade. The severed leg hit the sand with a dull thud.

“Ahhh!” The man’s scream tore through the cold night.

Sloane rushed forward, her needles flashing as she sealed pressure points to stop the bleeding.

More scorpions poured in, surrounding the group in a writhing tide. Hart waved a torch frantically, but the creatures didn’t retreat -they surged closer, drawn to the flame.

“They feed on heat…” Lucas realized suddenly. “Kill all heat sources!”

The fire was doused at once, but it was too late. The swarm had already fixed on them. One man stumbled and spilled his canteen. Water splashed across the sand–hissing where it touched the scorpions.

The creatures screeched and writhed, dissolving into stillness.

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5:18 pm M

Chapter 432 Night of the Black Scorpions.

“They’re afraid of water!” Lucas exclaimed.

“Gather every drop we have!” he barked. “Marcus, dismantle the tent poles–build sprayers!”

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Driven by desperation, the team worked with lightning speed. Within ten minutes, several makeshift sprayers were ready. Sloane poured her powder into the water. “This will make it corrosive,” she said.

“Use it sparingly,” Lucas warned. “Aim carefully–target the densest clusters!”

Jets of mist sprayed out, hitting the swarm. The scorpions screamed, melting into bubbling black sludge that steamed in the cold air.

After half an hour of fierce fighting, the last of the creatures disintegrated. The stench of burnt chitin filled the air, but the camp was safe–at least for now.

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