A frenzied chase ensued as the petty thieves from the office spilt out into the corridor, reinforced by cohorts emerging from other rooms. Aeliana, a blur of motion, led the charge. Two slender daggers danced in her hands, a deadly ballet of flashing steel and agonized cries. I had previously witnessed glimpses of Aeliana's exceptional speed and skill with bladed weapons, but today, her full prowess was unveiled. A dozen thieves emerged from the corridor; almost everyone who dared approach found themselves grievously wounded. The few remaining cowered, pressed against the walls, paralyzed by fear, too terrified to advance further.
Dark, bringing up the rear, appropriated a fire extinguisher from a nearby corner. He whirled it menacingly, knocking back the pursuing mob. Then, swiftly removing the safety pin and releasing the pressure, he unleashed a blinding cloud of white powder, temporarily incapacitating the pursuers. Seizing the opportunity, we fled towards the stairs.