"Ling Ling!" I shouted, rushing to her side. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Master," she said, though her voice was tight with embarrassment. Her pride was clearly hurt more than anything else.
The woman didn't even glance at Li Na or the guards. She turned back to me, her expression cold and unreadable.
"Do you want to fight?" I challenged loudly.
"No, Master!" Li Na cut in sharply. "She's a member of the Iron Fang Warband. You don't want to fight her."
The woman scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. It was the kind of look a lioness might give a sheep—amused, dismissive, and a little predatory.
"I challenge you on behalf of my Master!" Li Na suddenly declared, stepping forward. Her voice was firm, but I could see the tension in her stance. She knew this wasn't going to be easy.
The woman's smirk widened, and she tilted her head slightly, like she was sizing up Li Na. She gestured rudely with one finger, motioning for Li Na to come at her. She didn't even bother to say a word.
