Kael's expression hardened. He needed to break through Evelyne and Dorian to reach the royals, chained at the edge of the clearing with Garrick guarding them.
He vanished, his enhanced dexterity making him a blur. Reappearing behind Evelyne, he aimed his dagger at her neck. She spun, her sword blocking the strike, runes sparking.
The impact jarred Kael's arm, but he pressed forward, kicking her knee. She stumbled, her runes dimming.
Dorian charged, his longsword slashing in a wide arc. Kael ducked, the blade grazing his shoulder, drawing fresh blood.
He rolled forward, springing up to face Dorian. "You should be ashamed of yourself. Needing the help of a girl to suppress someone nine levels below you," Kael said, his voice low. "Step aside."
Dorian laughed, disregarding Kael's attempt to rile him up. His eyes gleamed with disdain. "A peasant giving orders? You'll die a painful death." He thrust his sword, aura flaring.
