Chapter 38: Under Siege moonlight cast eerie shadows Ava’s a stark contrast to the flickering torchlights held by allies. serene gardens now served as battlefield, the thick tension and the of impending conflict. Ava stood on the balcony, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the enemy. The distant clatter of armor and the muffled commands of the approaching confirmed her worst fears – the was imminent. “Ava, they’re almost whispered Elena, her trembling. Ava turned, expression resolute. We need to the line until reinforcements arrive. the courtyard, allies were the onslaught. Bows were swords sharpened, barricades fortified. The competitors’ forces known their relentless nature superior equipment, but Ava had something they – a fierce to her home people it. The first hard. Arrows rained like deadly hailstones, clanging off armor embedding into the wooden barricades. Ava as her retaliated with equal ferocity. heart pounded, she herself to stay focused. “Fall the second line!” Ava shouted, cutting through the chaos. Her command was with swift obedience. They moved with a practiced precision, retreating just enough to the enemy into a confined space. Ava’s mind raced, strategizing next move. She needed outthink the just outfight them. In the midst of the battle, a scream pierced the air. head towards the her breath catching in her throat. She saw one of her most crumple to ground, an arrow protruding from his chest. Rage and sorrow through her, but she couldn’t afford to be distracted. “We can’t hold much longer!” cried voice strained from exertion. “We have Ava her tone unwavering. “If break, they take everything. As the fighting intensified, Ava moved through her ranks, offering encouragement and directing the defense. Her presence was a beacon hope amidst the turmoil. Despite the mounting casualties, they to repel wave after wave attackers. night dragged each minute feeling like an hour. Then, just as dawn began the tide turned. Reinforcements the neighboring estates arrived, their battle cries echoing the field. The enemy, caught off guard and from the prolonged assault, began to falter. Ava seized the moment. “Push forward!” commanded, her voice filled renewed vigor. Her allies surged ahead, determination reignited. The competitor’s forces, realizing were outmatched, began to retreat. Cheers erupted Ava’s defenders, but the victory was bittersweet. The ground was littered with the fallen, friends and foes alike. amidst the carnage, her chest heaving exhaustion and grief. She surveyed the aftermath, noting the losses they had suffered. The cost of defending their home had been steep, but they had prevailed. Elena approached, face and wide shock. “Ava, you to this. She followed Elena a secluded part of the estate, where a safe had been unearthed during the chaos. trembling hands, Ava opened it, revealing a stack of documents. She rifled through them, eyes widening she realized importance. “These are plans…strategies…weaknesses,” murmured, her mind racing. “This could turn the in favor. But before she process further, sudden noise from behind made her spin pounding anew. The shadows shifted, revealing a figure she hadn’t expected see – someone could everything. “Why are you here?” she demanded, her voice a of anger and surprise. The figure stepped forward, the faint light revealing a familiar face. “I came to help,” their tone earnest. “But we to talk. Ava’s eyes narrowed. Trust was luxury she could no longer afford, but the urgency in their voice and the importance the documents in her made her pause. “Alright,” she replied cautiously. “Let’s talk. But know – if you betray us, there will be no mercy.