The sharp steel claws, though rare, served as lethal weapons.

Had Ruth engaged in a fistfight with the stubbled man without knowledge of his deadly weapon, she would have suffered significant harm. At best, her fingers might break, and at worst, her entire hand could be disabled.

Ruth now realized that Eric had saved her—she hadn't noticed the stubbled man's weapon. However, she wasn't appreciative of Eric's actions.

The others were restrained, and the stubbled man coughed violently, spitting