CHAPTER 290
The latch creaked as a set of fore claws depressed it, and the gate swung open with a metal groan. Falcon was not the first to enter. Two velociraptors proceeded before her. They came in sneering and glaring at their captives. Falcon passed through the gate after them, but stopped as soon as her tail cleared the entrance. There she waited, and next came Vulture followed by several other velociraptors. Vulture paused beside Falcon and together they watched as the rest of the clan filed in and moved to surround their prisoners.
Dr. Johnson maintained her vigil beside Bryce, and from there she observed the pack. Seth and Kyra huddled with her.
Ms. Murdock and Daniel watched in an acquired state of indifference. They knew there was no more fighting or running. They knew there was no rescue party on its way. The raptors had beat them. Their dignity was the only thing left to preserve.
As such, Daniel leaned to one side and surrendered his weapon to the ground. He had taken note of several pack members eying his gun and honing their growls on him, and he knew what they wanted.
All around the velociraptors hissed and rattled their tongues. One of them barked, seeming to signify that it was safe for the clan heads to approach, as Falcon and Vulture proceeded forward upon this signaling.
The two utahraptors remained on the outside of the circle and glowered inward. Their sharp firm brows magnified the fierce energy blazing from their eyes as they paced the circumference of the group.
For a fraction of a second Daniel caught Vulture's eye, and there seemed to be some non-verbal exchange, but Daniel couldn't begin to fathom its meaning. He had a sense that the utahraptor was either conveying some intention, or attempting to hide something. For Daniel's part he really couldn't tell.
Falcon let out a rough vocalization and two of the velociraptors parted. Receiving the utmost respect from the surrounding clan she entered the circle. Falcon paused in front of Ms. Murdock and stared her down with an icy cold expression. Ms. Murdock showed no signs of fear. Her head was high, and she did not waver.
"Well go on then. If this is an execution I'd be more satisfied if you'd just get it done with."
Falcon stepped forward and got in her face. She sneered. Her lips curled high with a growl.
Ms. Murdock put on a subtle playful smile. "Well something interesting better happen, or I'm going back to sleep."
Falcon gave her a hard stare. She looked to be processing Ms. Murdock, perhaps making an effort to understand her. She seemed to know that Joan was being offensive, but that could have been the extent of it.
Falcon lingered for a bit, but eventually she broke away and moved on.
"Very well. Have it your own way," Joan said at the utahraptor's back.