Meanwhile, Lila and her army had arrived at the chosen battlefield under the blood-red moon, several hours ahead of schedule. The winds howled through the empty fields, and the trees stood still, as if holding their breath for the bloodshed to come.With an air of twisted pride, Lila stood tall before her darkened army—men, women, and even teenagers, all poisoned by her magic and blinded by her wrath.

She scanned the crowd and then began barking out orders.

“I want the strongest of you at ...