The clearing didn't explode into violence this time.
It tightened.
The air felt thick, like two storms circling the same ground. The new human teams moved with organized precision, stepping into formation with shields already half-raised. Their armor was darker than the first group's—reinforced, layered, prepared for something that fought back.
Zza stood in the center of the coalition, body low, silk gathering between her claws. Her breathing was steady now. Not calm. Focused.
She didn't look powerful.
She looked like someone with nothing left to lose.
The human leader from before stepped forward. Her helmet was still on, but Zza recognized the stance. Shoulders straight. Centered. Tired, but resolved.
