Successful Rescue

With the confrontation over, Aiden turned and walked away, leaving Tom to stew in his disgrace. The crowd's cheers and applause followed him as he made his way toward the final meeting point.

Tom struggled to rise, his body weak and bruised, his pride even more so. He glared at Aiden, resentment burning in his eyes, but there was also a flicker of understanding, a grudging acknowledgement of Aiden's strength.

"I will make you pay for this, Raines," Tom whispered under his breath, watching Aiden's back as he walked away. His voice was hoarse with pain and humiliation, but the anger in his eyes burned bright.

Tom struggled to his feet, leaning against the tree for support as he watched Aiden disappear into the forest.

Despite his defeat, he was unwilling to let this be the end of the story. He seethed with resentment, his mind already working on plans for revenge.