“This isn’t your fight, lady,” one of the men growled, attempting to assert dominance. But the woman merely crossed her arms, her stance unyielding.

“It is if you don’t leave her alone,” she replied, her voice carrying an authority that made the men waver. “Now, get lost.”

Muttering curses, the men backed away, their bravado evaporating into the night. Once they were gone, the woman turned her attention to Sophia, offering a hand to help her up from the cold bench.

“Are you alright?” she asked gently, her earlier fierceness replaced by genuine concern.

Sophia, too frightened and exhausted to speak, could only nod. The woman’s presence was like a lifeline, pulling her back from the brink of despair.