Arthur's smirk lingered, but when the group broke apart to prepare, he rose to his feet.
"Fine. You lot handle the crowd. I'll keep the real threats busy." He rested a hand on his sword and started toward the shadows without waiting for a reply.
Emily stepped forward. "Arthur be careful out there—"
He only waved a hand back, his tone light. "Don't worry. I won't die that easily."
Then he was gone, his figure swallowed by the treeline.
The silence that followed was broken by Oliver, who drew in a slow breath and turned toward the others. "He'll do what he wants. That leaves us to organize the rest."
