The Last Stand (6)

Aurielle's lips curled into a smile that was all teeth, her violet eyes glinting. "Wow, fans already? Should I start charging for autographs, or are we skipping straight to the part where you embarrass yourselves?"

The group tensed visibly, and Linsley's grip on his crowbar tightened.

His sharp eyes swept over the players, cataloging their stances, weapons, and escape routes. "You recognized us, and you're still here. That means you think you've got the upper hand." His voice was calm, but the undercurrent of danger was unmistakable.

One of the players, a woman with striking red hair and a sniper rifle slung over her shoulder, stepped forward.

"Nothing personal," she said, her tone cold. "But how many chances do you get to 'kill' the Emperor of the Astral Dominion without consequences? Think of the bragging rights."