Chapter 171. Velvet’s Crimson Fury

Third-Person POV

A thunderous explosion rocked the western edge of the hidden Ruby Claw village, sending shards of rock and splinters of wood hurtling into the air. Brilliant blue fire licked the sky, illuminating the night in an otherworldly glow. In the heart of the blast zone stood Faela, her body miraculously untouched by the carnage around her. She remained unconscious, draped in the debris of scorched earth.

Beside her, Nora fought to stay upright, blood streaming from three vicious puncture wounds—one embedded in her shoulder, another in her left flank, and a third in her abdomen. Despite her grievous injuries, Nora managed a defiant smile, though crimson rivulets trickled down the left side of her head where a spike had sliced through her hair and flesh.

“Hmph,” Nora spat, her voice ragged but fierce. “Talk about dishonorable—attacking someone who can’t even fight back. You Dreadmaw bastards have no shame.” Her glare flicked toward Chloe and Margare