Heart of stone
Alex winced, his stomach churning.
"This is what happens to traitors," Harding spat, his voice filled with venom. "This is what happens to those who cross The Syndicate."
He raised his foot again, preparing to deliver the final blow. Alex knew that if he didn't do something, Henderson would die.
"May, do something!" he pleaded, his voice desperate. "Anything!"
Suddenly, May moved. She stepped out from behind the tree where she had been hiding, her face a mask of cold fury.
"Stop!" she shouted, her voice ringing through the park. "Leave him alone!"