Boom.
A sharp impact echoed through the inn as Budeen's attack landed squarely on Ethan's chest. The force lifted him clean off his feet and hurled him backward, his body crashed into the wooden wall with a heavy thud that shook loose dust and splinters.
Ethan slid down the wall, gasping as pain spread through his ribs. His breath came out strained, each inhale felt tighter than the last.
Leila reacted instantly. Her bow was already in her hands, fingers were moving on instinct as she reached for an arrow.
But unfortunately, she never got the chance.
The innkeeper appeared in front of her in a blink, invading her melee range before she could even draw.
His hand clamped down on the bow, twisted it sharply, and flung Leila aside as if she weighed nothing.
She slammed into a table, the impact knocked the air out of her lungs.
Maximus tried to move.
He did not even manage to take a step.
