THE BATTLE ENDS WITH A BLADE AT MY NECK

(CHRIS' POV)

After I escaped from that dark-haired guy, thanks to Will's quick thinking, I sprinted up the stairs as if my life depended on it. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline surging through my veins like a wildfire. The corridor above seemed to stretch endlessly as I ran, each footfall echoing against the stone walls. When I finally burst onto the next floor, what I saw stopped me dead in my tracks.

Uncle William stood in the center of the room, surrounded by at least twenty men. His expression was calm, almost serene, as if this was just another day for him. Around him, a chaotic scene unfolded: nearly ten men lay scattered on the ground, unconscious or writhing in pain. I had always known Uncle William was strong, but this... this was something else. His sheer presence dominated the room, and even surrounded, he seemed untouchable.