Just as Alicia was about to be struck down by Brian's deadly palm strike, a silver needle suddenly hit his wrist with precision.

The force of the impact caused him to stagger backward several steps. Then, a wave of excruciating pain surged through his arm. His body trembled uncontrollably and left him momentarily incapacitated.

"Crap!" Brian cursed. He quickly yanked the silver needle out from his wrist, which eased his pain slightly.

"Alicia, run!" Aurora shouted.

Freed from his grasp, Alic