When they heard my defiance, mocking laughter echoed from the guards.
"I admire your boldness," said the leader, his voice dripping with malice. "But boldness can only take you so far." He flourished his blade, its sharp edge glinting ominously in the sunlight. With a twisted grin, he ran his tongue along the steel. "And now, you'll meet your end in the most agonizing manner. Pin him down, boys!"
The guards' faces twisted into dark smiles as they unsheathed their weapons, closing in on us with deliberate menace, their eyes filled with cruel anticipation.
I stared at them with cold, unyielding eyes, not moving a muscle. In truth, I could have easily sliced their heads from their necks in an instant. But I chose restraint, wanting to gauge their true intentions. Now that I was certain of their vile plans, I wouldn't hold back any longer.
