"No!" Damien's voice rang out from the chaos, but it was already too late.
I was already sprinting through the fight, ducking under a swinging claw. I sidestepped a fallen warrior as I whispered, "I need to reach Ludwig and end this madness once and for all..."
When I got close enough, I didn't hesitate. Using all the strength I could gather, I slammed my fist into Ludwig's arm. He grunted softly, but his face seemed to suggest that he had expected my attack. He did nothing but accept the blow, smirking widely.
"You think you can control me?" I shouted. I swung again, this time aiming for his face. "You think you can ruin our lives?"
The punch landed squarely on his jaw, snapping his head to the side. Ludwig's expression darkened slightly as he turned back to me, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.
"You dare?" he growled.
I glared at him. My chest heaved. "Yes, I dare. You don't own me. You don't own any of us!"
