The shock hit William like a physical blow. His mind raced, trying to grasp the magnitude of their insanity. This was beyond a simple grudge. Lucas and his team had been pushed so far past their limits that they were willing to throw their lives into the abyss just to end the shadow Garlend cast over them.
It was a binary outcome: they would either survive and wipe the slate clean, ending the feud once and for all, or they would die trying. No matter how William looked at it, the decision was foolish, suicidal, and reckless. And yet, he couldn't help but admire the raw, terrifying decisiveness of it.
"So," Lucas said, regaining a modicum of composure, "it's better if you remain out of our business. Don't let our mess become yours. Wish us luck."
William realised then that this exclusion wasn't an insult to his strength—it was a final act of kindness. Even as they prepared to walk into a meat grinder, they were trying to spare him.
"What are you doing?!!" Lucas shouted.
