The air was thick with tension as Ava, Jake, and Lila faced Rylan, whose presence seemed to darken the world around them. His figure was both commanding and malevolent, and despite the gash on his temple that dripped blood down his face, he appeared unfazed. The small clearing outside the collapsed warehouse was now their battleground, and with the sun sinking behind the rooftops of Tristelle, the only light came from the orange glow of lanterns flickering on the dock.
"Spread out," Jake whispered, his voice low but firm. Ava and Lila exchanged a brief nod, each moving to flank Rylan from different angles. They knew they were outmatched in sheer power, but they had one advantage: unity.
Rylan's sharp eyes followed their movements, a smirk playing on his lips. "This is what you're pinning your hopes on?" His voice was smooth, taunting. "Three would-be heroes and a trinket you barely understand?"
