I quit running once I noticed he wasn't chasing after me. I was stupid to think he would have. After all, I didn't mean anything to him anyway. Picking my way through the crowd, I ate candy and watched the festivities. Soon though, it began to grow dark. It was then that I realized with a sinking feeling that I didn't know how to get back to the palace.

I didn't even know what part of the city I was in. I made my way through the crowds and almost sighed when I cam to a less-populated area. Suddenly, a group of men jumped out at me. Their smiles were malicious and they leered at me.

"Excuse me, sweetheart, are you lost?" one man spoke up.

He had obviously been drinking. I could smell it on his breath as he stepped closer to me. Fear made my chest tighten in anxiety. I had no weapon and no way to protect myself. I had left the stupid dagger back in my room.

"How about we help you find your way?" he grinned maliciously.

He reached towards me when suddenly, a hand shot out and knocked him away.

"Leave her alone!" a voice shouted.

I glanced up to see Jack standing in front of me protectively. The men 'ooed' mockingly and one grabbed my arms, twisting them behind my back.

"I think we've got a hero here. You really want to be a hero? Well, you're gonna have to try a little bit harder than that," the man sneered before lunging towards Jack.

"Let go of me!" I yelled, struggling to break free of the guy's grip.

The other man punched Jack several times and I squirmed in an attempt to get away.

"Leave him alone this instant!" I tried again, my blood boiling in anger.

The man slugged him again, this time knocking Jack to the ground.

"Stop it!" I shouted.

He kicked Jack before hauling him to this feet and shoving him toward his men. The leader punched him in the stomach then and screamed out in pain as the sound of his fist connecting with metal rang out in the air. Jack attacked the men then, hitting them repeatedly with his metal arm. They fell to the ground one by one. One of them, he grabbed by the hand with his metal one and squeezed 'till the man's finger bones cracked. He cried out in agony and fell back onto the dirt.

Jack punched another and as he fell, gave him a swift kick in the ribs. He smiled triumphantly before turning back to me. The smile fell when he saw my wide eyes, my mouth forming an 'o'.