The axe sliced through the air with deadly precision, aimed at my husband's head. My scream caught in my throat as I watched, helpless.
Alaric moved at the last second, twisting to the side with a dancer's grace that seemed impossible for an injured man. The massive axe missed his skull, instead biting into his shoulder armor. The metal bent and broke under the impact, but it saved his life.
Staggering back, Alaric grimaced but kept his sword steady. Blood seeped from beneath his damaged armor, but his eyes never left his opponent. The Scourge roared in frustration, the sound echoing off the stone walls like a demon's call.
"You'll die today, Duke," he growled, his voice muffled behind his grotesque mask. "Your pretty wife will watch you bleed out."
My heart hammered against my ribs as Alaric's gaze flickered to me, then hardened with renewed determination.
"Move back, Isabella!" he shouted, circling The Scourge cautiously.
