The chaotic din of the brawl faded into a background hum. The remaining factions, their greed momentarily eclipsed by a primal sense of self-preservation, instinctively pulled back, giving the two titans a wide berth. They formed a ragged, bloody circle around the chamber's heart, becoming spectators to a duel that would decide not just the fate of the artifact, but the future of the world's power structure. The air, thick with the smell of blood and ozone, grew still and heavy with anticipation.
Edward gave a single, sharp nod to Fenris. "Hold the line. Protect Sarah. No one interferes."
"Break him in half, Alpha," Fenris growled, her voice a low rumble of absolute confidence as she and the other Unchained formed a tight, protective cordon around the non-combatants.
