43: TRAPPED

As the twilight cast a dim glow over the room, I gathered the twelve around the wooden table. The tension in the air was noticeable as we discussed our next move. Each of our faces bore the marks of our recent battles, our eyes hardened by the countless struggles we had faced together.

“We need to decide whether to confront this so-called ‘Beast of the Bandits’ or not,” I began, my voice steady but filled with the gravity of the situation. “There’s a chance this could be a trap, designed to lure us into the open and eliminate us.”

Karim leaned forward, his expression serious. “Ava, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. It feels too convenient. The way the bandits have been operating, their coordination, I truly think it is a trap, it’s like they’ve been waiting for us. If we go out there, we might be walking straight into their hands.”

Zaza added, “They want you dead, Ava. You’re the only thing standing between them and total control. If the beast kills you, they’ll have free rein over