Amidst the aftermath of the intense battle, the air was heavy with tension and fatigue. Marcus stood amidst his demoralized subordinates, his body battered and broken, but his spirit unyielding. Blood seeped from his wounds, his breath ragged, yet his eyes held an unrelenting fire that refused to be extinguished.
His subordinates, however, bore expressions of defeat. Their shoulders slumped, and their eyes reflected a mixture of fear and despair. The clash had taken a toll, both physically and mentally, and the sight of their leader's injuries only added to their sense of hopelessness.
But even in the midst of their despair, a new danger emerged. Damon's teammates, having been sleeping within their tents scattered across the plateau, were awakened by the echoes of battle. The commotion reached their ears, their instincts urging them into action. One by one, they emerged from their tents, their eyes sharp and their expressions focused.