Eirik's blood ran cold at the mention of Thaddeus, Carl's father. His gaze flicked to Sadiki, who had positioned himself firmly in front of him, his body tense, eyes narrowed with fierce resolve.
Sadiki's voice was low but unwavering. "You'll have to go through me first."
The lead man laughed, a harsh, chilling sound that cut through the quiet of the forest. At his signal, the others began to fan out, their intent unmistakable as they surrounded them. Sadiki's mind raced, calculating every possible escape, but he could feel the weight of the menacing circle tightening around them, and the odds were grim.
Eirik's heart thundered in his chest. The enormity of their situation crashed down on him, a wave of terror battling against the will to survive.
The lead man stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Brave words, but futile."
