The hooded figure froze, eyes wide with fear. He glanced around, desperate for an escape, but there was none. "Who are you people?" he demanded, his voice trembling.
Jace, still focused on the bandit leader, spoke over his shoulder. "We're the ones making sure you don't terrorize anyone ever again."
The Black Bandits were now surrounded, their backs against the crumbling walls of the fortress with no way out. The air was thick with tension, and the sounds of clashing weapons and desperate shouts filled the encampment. The hooded man, realizing the dire situation, attempted to bargain for his life. "You have no idea who I am," he threatened. "If you let me go, I promise not to cause trouble for you."
Lucian, who had slipped back into the shadows, emerged with a mocking laugh. "That's all the more reason to get rid of you. We don't know you, and we certainly don't trust you."