In the split second before catastrophe struck, a strong and unyielding arm pulled her into the safety of its embrace. The blade meant for her found another target, slicing instead into Christian’s body. Even so, his instincts were razor-sharp—he lashed out with a swift kick, sending the assailant sprawling several meters across the pavement.

Raelynn’s mind went utterly blank. She found herself pressed against Christian, his sheltering warmth a stark contrast to the chaos ...