“Let her go this instant.”
I almost didn’t recognize my voice. It was harsh and laced with malice, leaving no room for him to mistake my intentions.
He glanced toward me. His eyes ran the length of my body before he dismissed me, returning his attention to his niece.
“This doesn’t concern you.”
My hand flew to the dagger at my hip, and I slowly pulled it free.
“Do not make me repeat myself. Let. Her. Go.”
A sinister chuckle escaped Lord Barrington as he licked his lips. “And what do you plan to do with that toothpick?”
“You’re about to find out.”
Celeste was growing frantic now; her face was so red, it wouldn’t be long before she lost consciousness.
Lord Barrington shifted, angling his body toward me, but not enough for Celeste to break free. “This is a family mat—”
I didn’t let him finish. Instead, I lunged forward, raking my blade over the back of his palm. Lord Barrington screamed, dropping Celeste to the ground. Her ragged coughs filled the space between us, and her sharp inhale had relief coursing through me.
“You fucking bitch!” he spat. “You’re going to pay for that!”
He stood, his free hand clutching his bloodied one by the wrist as he prowled towards me. I retrieved my other dagger, taking up a defensive position as he advanced.
“U-uncle, stop.” Celeste’s voice was barely audible as she struggled to push the words past her brutalized throat. “S-she’s married to the Prince. Touch her, and he will end you.”
A vicious grin tipped my lips. “She’s not wrong, but I’m willing to play if you are.”
His footsteps faltered, the thought of Ryker’s retribution giving him pause. He looked at me, then back at his niece, still crumpled on the floor.
“This isn’t over.” He snarled the words through clenched teeth as he backed away. Blood dripped between his fingers, staining the polished marble. “The Prince won’t always be around to protect you.”
“I don’t need his protection,” I said, keeping my daggers raised. “But you might.”
Lord Barrington’s eyes narrowed to slits, his face mottled with rage. For a moment, I thought he’d lunge for me despite the warning, but self-preservation won out as he retreated farther.
“Come, Celeste.”
I moved between them, blocking her from view. “She stays with me.”
“That girl is Barrington property.”
“Thatwoman,” I said, my voice dangerously low, “is a person. The next time you forget, it will be your last.”
With one final venomous glare at Celeste, he turned and stormed down the corridor, muttering curses under his breath.
I waited until he disappeared around the corner before sheathing my weapons and rushing to Celeste’s side. She was still gasping for air, her delicate hands trembling as they massaged her throat.
“Are you all right?”
She tried to nod but winced, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. Dark bruises were already blooming across her pale skin where her uncle’s fingers had been. The sight made my stomach churn with fury.
The gods knew I’d seen enough violence in my life, but watching someone throttle a woman who had no capacity to defend herself ignited something savage in my chest.
“Don’t talk,” I said, rubbing her back. “Just breathe.”
Celeste’s eyes met mine, wide with a mixture of gratitude and shame that made me uncomfortable. She looked so fragile sitting there on the cold marble floor, her silk gown torn at the shoulder from her uncle’s grip.
