One by one, the villagers slipped through the door, their hearts pounding as they fled into the open air. The sounds of battle echoed behind them, but the promise of freedom ahead urged them on.
Evelyn was among the last to exit, turning just in time to see Rowan engage with a soldier who had followed them. With a swift movement, he deflected the soldier's blow and countered with a strike that sent the man sprawling to the ground.
"Go! I'll cover you!" Rowan shouted, his eyes fierce with determination.
"No! We can't leave you behind!" Evelyn protested, fear gripping her heart.
"I'll be right behind you! Just go!" he insisted, urgency lacing his voice.
With a heavy heart, Evelyn nodded, knowing that they had no time to waste. She sprinted toward the treeline where the rest of the villagers were regrouping, shouting for them to move further away from the depot.
