tood there, weighing his options, Marcus approached him. "Gavin, we need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent. Gavin nodded, and the two of them stepped aside. "What's on your mind, Marcus?

erritory," Marcus said, his voice firm. "We can't let that happen." Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "What are you going to do?" she asked. Gavin took a deep breath, knowing that he had to make a decision. "I'll talk to your father," he said finally. "I'll try to negotiate a peace treaty." Sophia's face lit up with hope. "Thank you, Gavin," she said.