The night was hell as the wounded were dragged to safety, and the fight forced the battle into the town square.

  Dain carried Everett towards a safe zone, accompanied by a few townspeople who were injured. “We need to stop the bleeding!” Dain shouted as he pressed against Everett’s wound. Everett gritted his teeth, barely conscious.

  Celis knelt beside him, pulling out a small vial. “This should slow the bleeding, but he won’t last if we don’t end this fast.”

  Back in the fray, Ren was battered but refused to fall. His reinforced body ached under the strain of Victor’s attacks, but he endured, countering each deadly blow with sheer willpower. Isabel circled, waiting for an opening, ready to strike.

  Nyx, high above on a rooftop, watched the battlefield, his keen eyes locking onto Victor. He released an arrow infused with aether, the shot piercing through the smoke like a comet. Victor barely dodged in time, the arrow slicing across his cheek.

  He snarled. “You damn pests.”

  Suddenly, a scream cut through the town one of the townsfolk had been captured. A group of mercenaries dragged someone into the center of the battlefield, their blades pressed against their throat.

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  “Enough!” one of them bellowed. “Surrender now, or we start killing them one by one.”

  Ren’s heart pounded. The battle froze, both sides eyeing the hostage. The weight of the decision pressed down on him. If they surrendered, Damon would win. If they fought, innocent lives would be lost.

  Victor chuckled. “Make your choice.”

  For a split second, doubt flickered in Ren’s mind.

  Then, Celis whispered, “Trust me.”

  Ren’s eyes darted to Celis, who gave a small nod before vanishing into the shadows. Understanding the plan, Ren exhaled sharply, stepping forward.

  “Fine,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Let them go.”

  Victor’s smirk deepened. “Smart choice.”

  But before the mercenaries could react, Celis reappeared behind them, his dagger flashing in the firelight. One quick slice and the hostage was freed. The moment of distraction was all Ren needed.

  With a roar, he surged forward, his reinforced limbs propelling him at Victor. This time, he wasn’t just fighting to win. He was fighting to end it.

  Their final clash sent shockwaves through the battlefield. The force of Ren’s punch cracked the ground beneath Victor’s feet, sending him staggering. Dain and Nyx took the opportunity to strike, cutting down the remaining mercenaries in a blur of steel and arrows.

  Victor, battered and bloody, finally fell to one knee, his body broken.

  Isabel, realizing the tide had turned, let out a furious scream, flames erupting around her. But Everett, despite his injuries, forced himself up, pointing his sword at her.

  “You’ve lost,” he rasped.

  The fire mage hesitated, her rage flickering. With Victor down and the mercenaries scattered, there was no victory left to claim.