The clash of steel reverberated through the courtyard as Zach faced Glazilda, the ruthless leader of Max’s tribe. Tension crackled in the air, thick with the scent of sweat and impending violence. Vera, still on the ground, struggled to process the chaos around her. The pain from her wound throbbed in time with her racing heart as she watched Zach’s fierce determination to protect her.
“Zach, please be careful!” Vera’s voice came out hoarse, laced with worry.
Zach glanced back, his fierce blue eyes softening for a moment. “Stay back, Vera! I’ll handle this!”
Glazilda laughed, a cruel sound that sent a chill down Vera’s spine. “You think you can protect her? She’s nothing to you—a pawn in a game she doesn’t even understand.”
“No,” Max interjected, stepping up alongside Zach, his voice s
