The birthday event - 2nd part

As Leon turned to leave, hoping to avoid any further confrontation, his heart sank as his feet accidentally crushed some dried leaves on the ground. The loud crunching sound seemed to echo through the silent air, and he immediately regretted not being more careful.

The sudden noise caught Lincoln's attention, and he quickly spun around. "Who's there?" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of fear and anger. 

His heart started racing as he thought that Benjamin or his other minions followed him here, to give him another beating. If they heard how he was cursing them, he didn't know how badly he'd be beaten. 

He tried to steady his breathing, not wanting to show any signs of fear. As he tried to move towards the direction where that sound was coming from. 

Leon's heart pounded in his chest, and he considered running away to avoid any further confrontation.