Chapter 271: EMBERS OF DEFIANCE

David staggered to his feet, clutching his throbbing shoulder. The pain seared through him, but it was nothing compared to the chaos unfolding around him. His breaths came in short gasps as the screams of the villagers filled the night. The brothel behind him collapsed, the flames devouring its once-solid frame. Embers danced in the cold wind, a cruel mockery of life amidst destruction.

His hands trembled as his gaze fell upon the mercenaries in their leather armor. They moved like wolves among sheep, their swords glinting red under the blaze. Blood splattered across their faces, yet they grinned with unbridled glee, reveling in the carnage.

David's voice caught in his throat. "What... what is happening?" he murmured, his words lost in the inferno's roar. His mind reeled as he tried to make sense of the nightmare. "What timeline is this? How can this... I've never lived this before. I died as Winter, in the cave... didn't I?"