Valentin drew laborious breaths as he placed his arm against the wall. A small line of blood dribbled onto his chin from his busted lip. A few red scratches lined his knuckles.
A few more haggard breaths escaped his lungs.
"Girl, you really shouldn't be around these parts. Thugs like those assholes are common."
The girl, with a dubious look on her face, stared at the backs of the three bloody men staggering away from the alley.
"Hmm. I was passing by when I saw your soul! I knew you'd protect me!"
Valentin didn't exactly know what the girl was on about. He wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, brushed his hair out of his eyes, and sighed.
"Whatever. Run along now. Don't expect my help again."
"Don't be so harsh to this damsel in distress."
"You caused your own distress. Now, hurry on, please. Before someone else spots you."
