We stood there, catching our breath and processing what had just happened. Thalira had saved us with a single strike, her power overwhelming the man who had so easily beaten us.
"Thank you," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "We wouldn't have made it without you."
Thalira nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "You fought well," she said. "But remember, there's always someone stronger. Stay vigilant."
"What are you doing here?" Lise asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Thalira shrugged nonchalantly. "I heard you were on a mission and thought you might need some help. Plus, it's always fun to be part of the action."
Lise's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't say anything more. Instead, we began making our way back to the inn, exhaustion weighing heavily on all of us. The journey back was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. When we finally reached the inn, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of relief and tension.
