Escaped!

Thud!

The soldier behind Jethru crumpled to the ground, unconscious. A dark crimson streak trickled from his forehead, pooling onto the polished floor.

Briella and the commander instinctively recoiled from Jethru, their eyes wide with uncertainty.

Laughter rang through the room, a low, mocking sound that sent a shiver up their spines.

"What's so funny?" Mayor Roder Fuerte's voice was laced with irritation, his gaze snapping toward General Turik. His fingers curled into a fist atop the grand mahogany desk.

'This General Turik, always making fun of me. I will make sure that you will face humiliation three-fold.'

Turik, unfazed by the mayor's ire, plucked a hefty marble paperweight from the desk, its smooth surface glinting under the dim candlelight. He studied the engraving—Mayor Roder Fuerte—running a calloused finger over the deep etchings.

Without warning, he flung it toward Jethru.