The village was silent. As the heroes stepped into the street, anger burned in their chests. They didn't hide. They didn't sneak. They marched openly, every step heavy with grief and fury. Villagers peeked from windows, then ran inside.
Everyone knew where the heroes were going.Straight to the King. Gunmen stood on the balcony of the King's quarters, rifles raised."Stop! Don't move!" The heroes didn't stop.Sophie didn't even break stride. She drew two arrows, released them in one smooth motion both guards dropped, one falling off the roof, the other collapsing where he stood. They reached the massive metal door. Pooch didn't wait for orders.
He lowered his head and charged the door making it explode inward.Thomas and Sophie followed him without hesitation.Inside, the King held Linda by the neck, a long dagger pressed against her skin. Thomas's voice was calm, cold, controlled."Let her go." The King sneered."You think I'll do what you say?" Sophie raised her bow.
The King tightened his grip on Linda."Put that arrow down. You shoot we both die." Sophie's voice was ice. "Your life isn't the one I care about." The King smirked."Strong and beautiful. How about you Lose the zero, and get with a hero." Sophie's rage flared Thomas didn't look at her. His eyes stayed locked on the King. Then The lights burst. Darkness swallowed the room. A woman screamed. A slash cut through the air.
A body hit the floor. Linda kept screaming, unable to see. Something small touched her leg gently. She looked down. Pooch. He guided her toward the doorway with soft, careful movements."Hello," he said quietly.
"I am Pooch." Linda stared at him, shaken but grateful. "I'm… Linda."Thomas and Sophie stepped out of the darkness behind her. Blood stained their clothes. Linda ran to Thomas and hugged him tightly. "Thank you…"She pulled back, saw the blood on his hands. "Thomas…" He smiled softly. "I'm glad you're safe, old friend. You have a husband waiting."Linda's eyes filled with tears. She looked at all three heroes overwhelmed, speechless, heart full. Sophie took her hand gently. "Come on. We don't want to keep John waiting." Linda nodded, tears falling. She hadn't seen her husband in so long. Tonight… she would.