THE FINAL DESCENT

The successor's triumphant voice cut through the quiet night. His sword shone in the dim moonlight as his figure stepped out of the shadows. His smirk expanded, and I felt a chill of dread flood over me, making my pulse lurch.

His tone was calm but contemptuous as he said, "Olivia, you've been very entertaining." "But this is where the game ends."

Ethan stiffened beside me, his hand tightening around my arm. His eyes were burning with defiance, yet his face was pale and his breathing was difficult. With her weapon raised and a stern, uncompromising face, Lydia took a step forward.

With a calm voice and a tense attitude, Lydia commanded, "Drop the gun."

The replacement shook his head slowly and laughed. "Do you honestly believe that will work? Examine your team. He pointed first at Ethan and then at me. "One is trembling like a leaf, and the other is hardly standing."