ng　her　struggle，　moved　to　support　her，　his　presence　giving　her　the　confidence　she　needed.

Together，　they　overpowered　the　leader，　their　combined　strength　too　much　for　him　to　handle.　With　a　final，　powerful　strike，　Sukie　disarmed　him，　her　sword　at　his　throat.

“Tell　me　where　Mei’s　family　is，”　she　demanded，　her　voice　steady.

The　leader　glared　at　her，　but　there　was　fear　in　his　eyes.　“They’re　being　held　in　the　Dark　Lord’s　fortress.　You’ll　never　reach　them　in　time.”

Sukie’s　grip　tightened　on　her　sword.　“We’ll　see　about　that.”

With　the　leader　subdued，　the　rest　of　the　soldiers　quickly　surrendered.　The　battle　was　won，　but　Sukie　knew　their　journey　was　far　from　over.　They　had　to　reach　the　capital　and　stop　the　Dark　Lord’s　attack，　and　they　had　to　rescue　Mei’s　family　from　the　fortress.

As　they　regrouped，　Han　Fengling　placed　a　reassuring　hand　on　Sukie’s　shoulder.　“We’ll　save　them，　Sukie.　I　promise.”

She　looked　into　his　eyes，　her　resolve　strengthening.　“I　know　we　will.　And　we’ll　stop　the　Dark　Lord　once　and　for　all.”