Simon's men were pushed to their limits. Seizing the opportunity, Fuller's enforcers launched a vicious counterattack without hesitation.
Already on the brink of collapse, Lirael's bodyguards buckled under the relentless assault. One by one, they collapsed under the brutal onslaught.
But this was only the beginning of the nightmare. Within minutes, the twenty-strong security detail dwindled to a pitiful handful amidst the bloodshed.
Then at last, the retreat order crackled through their comms.
Their lungs burning, Lirael and Eldric had sprinted to safety. The moment they reached cover, Lirael didn't waste a second. Through their prearranged signal, she relayed the all-clear to Simon's team.
"Fall back—now!"
Simon bellowed, his voice raw as he charged toward the villa's exit. His men
