Round 11

The morning sun cast long shadows across the deserted street as Hera stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The two men froze mid-assault, their heads snapping towards her with predatory focus. One had his hands around the victim’s throat, while the other held him down with a knee in his back—both paused only momentarily by her presence.

"Wh-what's going on?" Hera slurred deliberately, feigning drunkenness or spell-induced disorientation. Her acting skills weren't great under pressure, but she needed to buy time, to think of some way to defuse this situation before it escalated further.

The men exchanged a glance, their expressions calculating rather than shocked or remorseful. The one with the knife spoke first: "This ain’t none of your business, lady." His voice was rough, aggressive. “Why don’t you just turn around and walk away?”

Hera’s mind raced. She couldn't let this continue—couldn't allow them to finish what they'd started right here in broad daylight. But she also couldn't draw attention or involve authorities. The cult needed secrecy above all else.

"Look," Hera said sharply, stepping forward again despite the warning bells ringing in her head, "no one needs to get hurt here. Why don’t you just let him go and we can all walk away?" She raised her hands placatingly, trying to project calm even as her stomach twisted with anxiety.

The man with the knife sneered. “You think we give a shit what you want?” He shifted his weight, preparing to move. The victim beneath them whimpered, face contorted in terror.

Hera’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. This was spiraling out of control fast—too fast. She needed help, needed backup before someone got seriously hurt or killed. But calling out would draw attention from nearby civilians or worse, authorities who could investigate the cult's activities.

She glanced back over her shoulder towards where Halie waited hidden in the alley mouth. Their eyes met—a silent exchange of tension and fear. Hera knew they had to act quickly, but what options did they really have?