Talon stood firmly, placing himself between Claire and Emily and the group of challenging men.
"Stop this madness right now, or you'll regret it," Talon warned.
One of the men scoffed, "Ha! Look at you, still acting all high and mighty even when facing a dozen of us," he sneered. "Do you really think you can walk out of here unharmed?"
Among the group, one of the men couldn't help but admire Talon's strength, though he kept his thoughts to himself. "How is he still standing? He doesn't even seem tired after fighting so many of us. Is he really that tough?"
Talon's voice was calm but firm as he replied, "I have no intention of hurting any of you, but if you insist, I'll have no choice but to defend myself."
"Get him!" someone shouted.
Claire shook her head sadly, her expression troubled. "I don't understand what they're thinking, Talon," she whispered softly. "Why are they attacking us? Aren't we all victims here?"
