Outside, in the expansive plaza that stretched before the Karolinska Institute, two distinct factions stood in a tense standoff.
The furthest from the Institute were Erik's companions—Emma, Emily, Astrid, and, technically, Victor.
Just a short ten meters in front of them were the remaining three second-rank guards, one of whom still had Emily's orb stuck in his eye socket, making him tremble from fear and pain.
Another ten meters behind them were the first-rank guards, gathered together in three formations that just barely equated to another three second-rankers.
However, with one of the second-rankers essentially incapacitated due to Emily, the guards made no illusions about being able to subdue the invaders. They had seen how quickly Emily had taken down one of their own, and the first-ranker formations behind them barely counted for anything when compared to real second-rankers.
If you like my novel, I would love some more reviews right now! (But obviously, any support is welcome and greatly appreciated)