Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 48: The Fight

"Let her go."

The command ripped through the night like thunder.

Kuehl turned, still gripping Maximilian's wrist. His smile was cruel, green eyes narrowing when he saw Riftan striding forward, sword in hand, every line of his body radiating lethal intent.

"I said let her go."

For a moment Kuehl held fast, his fingers tightening on Maximilian's wrist as if to prove defiance. But when Riftan took a slow step forward, steel raised in a promise, something in his face made the knight hesitate. Rage and desperation warred with caution. Finally, with a hiss of breath, he released her.

Riftan's blade rose, black steel catching the torchlight. His voice was cold as death. "If you so much as reach for her again, I will not hesitate... Then I'll cut you down here and now. I don't care if I burn in hell for it. Send me to hell for it—if it means she is safe, I welcome damnation."

"Go," Riftan said without looking at her, eyes locked on Kuehl. "Run, Maxi. He won't touch you again."

Her lips trembled. She wanted to cling to him, beg him to come with her, but Riftan's voice was an unshakable wall.

"I'll come back..." she whispered.

"Then I'll be here. Waiting" he promised, his blade steady between her and Kuehl.

Tears welled in her eyes as she turned and fled toward the ship.

Kuehl snarled and lunged after her. Riftan slammed into him, sending him sprawling. "Over my dead body."

Steel rang as Kuehl leapt to his feet, sword flashing. Riftan met him, and the clash was thunderous. Blow after blow, sparks flew as fury met arrogance. Riftan's strikes came down like hammerfalls, raw and brutal. Kuehl's polished technique kept him alive, but only barely.

"You fight like a savage," Kuehl spat between blows, blocking a brutal swing. "No wonder she trembled when you touched her. No wonder she ran."

Riftan's jaw clenched, his strikes only faster, heavier. "You don't know a damn thing about her."

"Oh, I do," Kuehl hissed, parrying and twisting away with a cruel grin. "I know the way her body softens when I hold her. The little gasps she makes when I kiss her neck. The way she shivers when my hands wander beneath her skirts."

Rage tore from Riftan's chest as he swung, forcing Kuehl back, their swords screaming against each other.

"Liar," Riftan growled, every muscle straining.

"Am I?" Kuehl's grin widened, breath hot with venom. "I've tasted her lips, her skin. I've heard the sounds she makes when she melts against me. Sounds you'll never hear."

With a roar, Riftan drove him back, their blades clashing so hard the shock rattled through both men's arms. His fury was volcanic now, his strikes raining down in relentless succession.

"Shut your filthy mouth!" Riftan bellowed.

Steel rang out as Kuehl recovered and drew his sword. "You think you've won by letting her board that ship? Fool. The Duke will drag her back to Wedon, and she'll be mine before long." He sneered, circling. "In truth, she's already mine. I've claimed her—you'll never wash that away."

Riftan's eyes narrowed, his blade flashing as he met the strike. Sparks flew, the clang of steel ringing over the water. "You think I care?" he spat, driving Kuehl back a step. "Even if you forced her into your bed, she is no one's but her own."