“Get away from me!” Lyra summoned the last flicker of will and shoved at him, only for Kael to catch  wrist. The fiery contact ripped a shiver through body, proof that whatever drug had slipped was seizing control.

Kael’s laughter rang, low and triumphant. “Haha, the powder took effect! Relax, my dear, I promise I will treat you with the utmost care!”

When wanted to hold Lyra in his arms, a gold sword light split the courtyard like lightning. Slash! Blood spurred. One of Kael’s arm was severed.

“Argh!” His howling tore through the sky. Kael stared at his severed arm in disbelief. Jared stood behind  soaked in blood like a Bloodbane God from depths of hell. He had spent most of his energy on the previous attack. His murderous intent did not decrease.

“I told you. If you touch her, you die!”

Shaking, Kael stared at the stump where his arm had been, terror and hatred warring In his eyes. “I’ll kill you!”

Clamping his remaining hand around his sword hilt, unleashed glacial sword energy that froze the courtyard in a shell of time.