The moonlight filtered through the stained-glass windows of the palace, casting an eerie glow on the bloodied floor beneath Nia's feet. She stood beside Ash, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps, her body aching from the relentless fighting. The soldiers, though fewer now, were still closing in. Eric's voice echoed in the background, but the words blurred into noise as Nia focused on the here and now—survival, escape, and the fight for a future that seemed more uncertain with every passing second.
"Enough," Ash's voice rang out, low and commanding, as his blade gleamed in the dim light. His eyes locked with Nia's for the briefest moment, and she saw something in them—determination, pain, and something else she couldn't name. They were both running on fumes, yet they had no choice but
