...Frown marched forward into the winding passage with a hundred of his finest—elite soldiers cloaked in hardened armor, swords and spears brimming with soul energy, all their weapons raised and ready. Yet amidst the heavy tension, Frown alone walked like a lord, hands clasped behind his back, his expression unbothered, even amused.
The two young naga girls were pushed ahead of the formation, their scales dusty, faces bruised, eyes wide with terror. They couldn't have been older than sixteen. Even then, they slithered with the grace inherent in their race, though fear trembled in their eyes. Frown made sure they remained at the forefront—a reminder to the Medusas that any ambush or retaliation would result in the girls' deaths.
