The second Marcus was flung backwards, the Archer and the Sorcerer opened fire. At the same time, the Knight lowered his shield and began his charge.
"Ding! Player Stonehaven, you are under attack by the Shadowfall Squad. Justified counterattack rules are now in effect."
Even with their coordinated assault, the system registered it as an unprovoked PK attempt, granting him full retaliation rights. Their identifiers flashed in his combat log: the Knight was Shadowfall_Two, the Sorcerer Shadowfall_Three, the Archer Shadowfall_Four.
"Stone, behind you!"
FreshwindElara's voice cut through the chaos, sharp with panic. She broke from cover, ignoring his earlier warnings, and a Restoration spell washed over him mid-air.
'Damn it, Elara. Not now.' The thought was a reflex, equal parts frustration and a fierce, protective warmth.
