The battlefield is chaos incarnate. Smoke curls like serpents through shattered trees. Metal clashes, screams pierce the air, and every heartbeat pounds like a war drum.

You spot her—Echo kom Azgeda—fighting ferociously, blades flashing, eyes locked on an enemy soldier. But then a second attacker strikes from behind, catching her off guard. She stumbles, the glint of blood catching your eye.

“No!” you yell, sprinting through the chaos.

Bullets whiz past, sparks from clashing swords sending shards of fire into the night. You reach her just in time, grabbing her arm and pulling her to cover behind a crumbled wall. Her breath comes in harsh gasps.

“You okay?” you shout over the din.

Echo’s jaw tightens, pride and pain battling in her expression. “I… can handle it.”

You shake your head. “No. Not this time. You’re coming with me.”

She glares, but before she can protest, an enemy soldier rounds the corner. Without thinking, you tackle him, sending him sprawling into the mud. Echo reacts instantly, recovering her stance and covering your back.

“We move—now!” she hisses, and you both dash through the battlefield, dodging gunfire and explosions. Your heart pounds so violently it hurts.

Finally, you reach a ruined trench, momentarily safe. Echo collapses against the wall, exhaustion etched into her every movement.

“You saved me,” she mutters, voice rough but softer than usual.

“I didn’t wait for thanks,” you reply, checking her wound. “I just… couldn’t let you fall.”

Her lips twitch—almost a smile, almost a snarl. “Noted. Don’t expect me to owe you forever.”

You smirk. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But next time, maybe let me cover your six before you get yourself stabbed?”

Echo laughs—a brief, sharp sound, startling in the midst of war. “Fine. But only because I hate losing.”