The duke's voice was low and final. "You should have never set foot in my domain."
With an effortless swing, the blade cut through the air.
A sharp cry tore through the tense silence of the arena.
"Clint!"
The duke blinked, narrowing in surprise. Below him, his sword was no longer aimed freely at Kade's neck but pressed firmly against another blade.
Clint was kneeling in front of Kade, his own sword raised high with both hands. His feet dug into the ground as he struggled to hold back the sheer weight of the duke's strike.
His arms trembled, and his teeth gritted, but a crooked, stubborn smile spread across his face despite the pressure.
"I… will not allow you… to kill anyone in this estate… again," Clint said through labored breaths,
The duke's eyes darkened as confusion and irritation flickered in his expression.
