The three minotaurs stood frozen against the ancient tree trunks, their massive frames pressed against bark that had witnessed centuries of forest history.
The sword wielder's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, his bovine features fixed on Liam One with an expression of wariness.
Liam One waited patiently, still holding the injured Tarok by the scruff of his thick neck. The wounded minotaur had stopped struggling, his broken wrist cradled against his chest, his earlier aggression completely evaporated into pained acceptance of his situation.
The silence stretched for perhaps ten seconds before the sword wielder finally spoke, his voice carrying a resignation that suggested he understood exactly how precarious their position had become.
"We attacked because you're human."
The words hung in the air between them, simple and direct.
Liam One's eyebrows rose slightly, surprise flickering across his features. "That's it? Just because I'm human?"
