"It should," the ranger said.
"They're not just a bandit group. They're hired blades. Trained. Used by nobles and secret groups to get dirty work done. Kidnapping, assassination, smuggling." She stood. "Whoever hired them wanted your group dead—or at least the boy."
Roma stepped forward, her face tense. "They were after my brother."
The ranger nodded slowly. "Then they'll try again. This was just the first wave."
Silence followed her words.
Aldo stirred awake inside the carriage, his eyes sleepy and confused. Roma rushed to his side and hugged him tightly, trying not to cry. The golden shield around him faded as he sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Did we win?" he asked in a soft voice.
Roma smiled a little. "Yes. Thanks to Eren and Sofiya… and these rangers."
The boy looked at them all, confused but safe—for now.
