“There’s no chance for us. You know that. I am your death.”
His jaw tensed. “Don’t you dare say that! ’Tis not so.”
“Aye, Valteri, but it is, and I beseech you to leave while you still can. You must live for me.”
“I’d rather die for you.”
“That I can oblige!” Ethbert grabbed her and shoved her into his brother’s arms. “Hold her, Arthur.”
“Nay!” She tried to break free, but Arthur held fast.
“This is between us, Norman. ’Tis time for you to pay for the souls you’ve taken. The innocent lives you’ve destroyed.”
They crossed swords.
Ethbert spat at him. “Give your hellish master my best!”
Metal clanked against metal, the sound blistering her soul.
“Please, God, no!” she cried, the words searing her throat.
She winced at the sight of them fighting and the memories she had of countless battles.
Only in the past, she didn’t care who won or lost. Because her role had been simple.
Claim the soul of the loser and take him to her boss.
Now…
She cared about the outcome.
Most of all, she cared about Valteri, and she refused to watch him die.
Suddenly, a light broke over their heads.
Ariel looked up through her tears and gasped. Invisible to the men, Raziel descended.
His armor glistened as he glanced at the combatants then slung his hand out toward her.
The impact sent her reeling and knocked her from Arthur’s grasp.
Or so she thought.
Catching herself, she realized that they still held her human body. But she stood outside herself, dressed in her Arel armor.
Raziel tossed her battle sword to her. “Protect your husband.”
Grateful beyond belief, she rushed forward and caught Ethbert’s sword with her own and sent it flying.
So… Raziel was Valteri’s guardian.
Her husband was wrong. He wasn’t alone, after all. That was why Raziel had come to her before. Not because of her.
Because of Valteri.
More grateful than she’d ever been, Ariel stood between the men and kicked Ethbert back, away from Valteri, so that her husband could catch his breath.
Belial flew forward with a snarl. “Nay! This is not for you to interfere!”
