Chapter 22: Reckoning

The once-vibrant settlement lay in ruins, its buildings crumbled and its people battered and bruised. Ava surveyed the devastation with a heavy heart, her gaze scanning the scene of destruction.

"We need to act quickly," she said, her voice cutting through the stunned silence. "There are injured people who need our help."

The Sanctuary's defenders sprang into action, their training and experience guiding them as they tended to the wounded. Ava joined them, her hands deftly administering first aid and her calm demeanor reassuring the frightened survivors.

As they worked, the true scale of the attack became clear. Broken bones, deep lacerations, and severe burns, the enemy had spared no one in their ruthless assault. Ava's heart sank with each new patient, her resolve hardening with every life she fought to save.

"We need to get these people stable and evacuate them to the Sanctuary," she said, her voice betraying the strain of her efforts. "The medical facilities here are inadequate to handle this level of trauma."

The defenders nodded, their faces set with grim determination. They knew the risks of transporting the injured, but the alternative was unthinkable.

As they prepared for the evacuation, Ava caught sight of a young woman, her face streaked with tears and her body trembling. Ava approached her, her movements slow and gentle.

"What's your name?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Elise," the woman replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Elise, I need you to be strong," Ava said, grasping the woman's hand. "We're going to get you to the Sanctuary, where you'll receive the care you need."

Elise nodded, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.

The evacuation was a harrowing ordeal, the defenders working tirelessly to transport the injured through the treacherous terrain. Ava, her focus unwavering, led the way, her hands steady as she tended to the most critical patients.

As they finally reached the Sanctuary, the medical team rushed to receive the wounded, their faces etched with concern. Ava watched as the survivors were whisked away, her heart heavy with the weight of the tragedy they had endured.

"We need to find out what happened here," she said, her gaze sweeping across the assembled defenders. "And we need to ensure that this never happens again."

The defenders nodded, their expressions grim. They knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but they were determined to see justice done and to protect the people they had sworn to defend.

Ava steeled herself, her resolve strengthened by the knowledge that the Sanctuary would stop at nothing to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to account.

"Let's get to work," she said, her voice clear and commanding. "We have a reckoning to prepare for."