3. HUNTING SHADOWS ᵇᵉˡˡᵃᵐʸ ᵇˡᵃᵏᵉ

7. fighting battles

-FIGHTING BATTLES-
"holding on to anger like this... it's like gripping a blade. the harder you hold, the deeper it cuts. and soon, you won't have the strength left to let it go"

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"Sairah!"

The sharp call snaps Sairah's attention to the source, her eyes locking onto Marcus Kane as he rushes toward the holding cells of Arkadia, a group of guards trailing close behind him. His face is etched with urgency, his movements swift.

Sairah narrows her eyes in confusion, studying the anxious man as he halts just short of her. "Grab your men and follow me!" Kane orders, not waiting for a response as he dashes inside.

Though puzzled, Sairah doesn't hesitate. She gestures to her warriors—the same ones she had just helped escape the burning remains of Arkadia a few hours earlier. Without a word, they ready their weapons—spears, swords, axes—and fall in behind her as she leads them toward the holding cells, where Kane has disappeared.

As they near the cells, Sairah's breath catches in her throat at the sight before her. A crowd of Sky People is brutally beating Ilian, who lies helpless on the ground. Despite Kane and his guards' efforts to pull them away, the mob continues their assault, every blow more vicious than the last.

Sairah looks to her warriors, their eyes meeting hers in silent communication. She knows Ilian is the enemy, but she also knows the cycle of violence must end here. She speaks with calm authority, her voice low but firm. "A warrior knows when to fight and when to protect. Today, we protect—even those who have wronged us."

The warriors nod in unison, understanding the weight of her words. At her signal, they march forward, entering the cell with controlled force. They push the enraged crowd back, their weapons drawn but held at bay. With minimal effort, they create a protective circle around Ilian, ensuring that no one else can reach him.

Kane's fury is palpable as he surveys his people, his jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with anger. His gun is aimed at one person after another, his voice seething. "I will shoot the next person who lays a hand on this man, so help me!"

Sairah steps up to him, noting the fear and anger in the wide eyes of the Sky People as they stare at their leader. Gently, she presses down on his arm, lowering the gun. She offers him a small, reassuring smile. "You don't extinguish fire with more fire, Kane."

Turning her attention to the crowd, Sairah's gaze hardens, her voice carrying the weight of her authority. "You want to kill Ilian for what he's done? Do it, but know this—it won't rebuild your home, and it won't ease your pain. Revenge is a hollow victory."

The Sky People exchange uneasy glances, her words sinking in. Slowly, one by one, they begin to back away, the rage in their eyes dimming as they shuffle out of the cell. Soon, only Kane, his guards, Ilian, Sairah, and her warriors remain.

Sairah looks down at Ilian, who is coughing weakly, his face bruised and bloodied. His eyes find hers, filled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "Thank you," he croaks out, wincing from the pain.

Sairah's expression remains stern, her anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Don't thank me, Ilian. Your actions nearly destroyed everything we've fought to protect. I saved you today, but not because you deserve it. I did it because we need to be better than this—better than you've been."

Ilian nods weakly, his voice trembling as he speaks. "I didn't mean for it to go this far... I was trying to save us all."

Sairah's eyes narrow, her tone sharp. "Good intentions don't excuse bad decisions. You've made your bed, Ilian. Now you'll lie in it. But remember, the next time you act, think about the lives you're putting at risk, not just your own." She stands up straight, casting one last glance at the battered boy before turning to her warriors. "Get him to a healer."