Back in the village, the battle was at its peak. The villagers fought bravely, but they were outmatched. General Wei's soldiers had superior numbers and equipment, and though Mei Lin's people were determined, the situation was becoming increasingly dire.
Within the village square, General Wei stood tall, overseeing the carnage with cold, calculating eyes. His mind was focused solely on the goal—capturing Mei Lin, the healer he believed could save his king. Everything else was secondary. He had seen her use her power before, and he was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to make her comply.
"Where is she?" he demanded, turning to one of his captains. "We must find her before we lose the advantage."
"General, the villagers are putting up more resistance than anticipated," the captain responded, his face grim. "But we have scouts searching for the healer. She can't have gone far."
"She won't escape," General Wei said coldly. "Find her, and bring her to me. The king's life depends on it."
---
Meanwhile, Mei Lin sat beneath the tree, her breathing slow and steady as she regained her strength. Li Sheng had made a makeshift bandage, and the bleeding had stopped, but she still felt weak. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the faces of the villagers—her family, her friends—fighting for their lives. She couldn't afford to stay hidden any longer.
"I'm ready," she said softly, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and determination.
Li Sheng looked at her, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure? You're still recovering."
Mei Lin stood with effort, her hand on the tree for support. "I can't stand by and do nothing. They need me. You need me."
Her words were a firm declaration of her resolve. Li Sheng hesitated for a moment, searching her face as though trying to gauge whether she was truly ready. Finally, he nodded.
"Then we fight," he said simply.
Together, they moved back toward the village, their steps quick and quiet. Mei Lin's heart raced as the sounds of the battle grew louder. When they reached the edge of the village, they could see the soldiers advancing through the square, their swords drawn, their faces filled with cold determination.
Li Sheng turned to Mei Lin, his expression fierce. "We'll do this our way. Follow my lead."
Mei Lin nodded, her hand on the hilt of a dagger she had taken from one of the fallen soldiers. She was no longer the girl who had relied on the amulet's power. She was Mei Lin, the healer, the protector, and now, the fighter.
As they stepped into the clearing, Li Sheng let out a battle cry, charging toward the soldiers. Mei Lin was close behind him, her mind focused, her body moving with the precision of someone who had been trained for this moment.