The grip on me loosened just enough.
That was all I needed.
I twisted hard, driving my elbow back into his ribs. He grunted, his hold slipping as I tore free and spun on instinct, blade flashing up-
Too slow.
Another stepped out from the trees.
I didn't hesitate. Pivoted, dropping my weight low as the blade cut across his thigh. Deep. He went down with a sharp shout, hands clamping over the wound.
Movement.
To my right.
Behind me.
A third came in fast. I stepped into him instead of backing away, slamming my shoulder into his chest. He staggered, and I drove the hilt of my sword into his jaw. Bone cracked. He dropped.
For a second-
Nothing.
Then a whistle cut through the trees.
Short.
Sharp.
Controlled.
More of them stepped out, one after another.
Left. Right. Behind.
Boots grinding into dirt, weapons low but ready. Not rushing. Not panicking. Just closing the space between us like they'd done it a hundred times before.
I stilled.
Breathing steadying.
Eyes moving.
