Carter looked around, and his heart finally eased. He saw them—Draven, Ava, Charlotte, Seraphina, and Alden—all alive, gathered near the clearing, protected. Breathing. Intact.
He let out a shaky breath, the weight of his wounds momentarily forgotten.
'They're safe… I did it… at least I bought them time.'
His gaze fell upon the silver-haired youth once again. The one who radiated both death and salvation like a god made flesh.
Carter immediately straightened his back and nodded frantically, despite the pain.
"Sir! Yes, sir! I am Carter Brown! The one who protected them!" he barked, almost out of instinct.
Ava, standing beside Alex, quickly spoke up. Her voice was soft but firm.
"Alex, he's telling the truth. Mr. Carter saved us… when we were in a desperate situation."
Alex nodded slightly at her, eyes still locked on Carter.
Then, a slow, devilish smirk curled on his lips.
'This guy… seems like perfect pawn material.'
