Right, Ali Baba had fallen.
Malik had failed to protect him. Protect her.
...He didn't know exactly what happened after that.
He likely didn't even bother saving Layla.
But he knew one thing that happened.
Rage.
A blood-drenched, bone-deep rage had consumed him.
His breath shook. His vision swam. The world twisted, narrowed, darkened.
The pain in his shoulder, in his back, and the burning in his thigh—it didn't matter anymore.
They should've known not to kill Ali Baba. They should've known not to touch his people.
Great was the rage of a quiet man.
"You're next!"
A bandit came at him, blade raised.
Malik caught the sword with his left hand.
Steel bit into his palm, splitting flesh to the bone. But he didn't seem to register it.
With a yank, he tore the weapon from the man's grip and smashed his forehead into his nose.
CRACK.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"