The moonlight cast eerie shadows across Ava's estate, a stark contrast to the flickering torchlights held by her allies. The once serene gardens now served as a battlefield, the air thick with tension and the scent of impending conflict. Ava stood on the balcony, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the enemy. The distant clatter of armor and the muffled commands of the approaching forces confirmed her worst fears – the attack was imminent.
"Ava, they're almost here," whispered Elena, her voice trembling.
Ava turned, her expression resolute. "Gather everyone. We need to hold the line until reinforcements arrive."
Down in the courtyard, her allies were preparing for the onslaught. Bows were strung, swords sharpened, and barricades fortified. The competitors' forces were known for their relentless nature and superior equipment, but Ava had something they didn't – a fierce determination to protect her home and the people within it.
