Chapter 68

Ronan's sword came toward me slowly. That made it worse. I could see every effort he made to turn it, every small gain Severin stole back.

Lucien stepped between us, his coat wrapped around his forearm. He caught the flat of the blade and pushed it toward the empty wall. Ronan made a sound that had no words in it. His arm dragged Lucien another step before both men stopped.

“I can hold it,” Lucien said. “Deal with the ring.”

His shoulder, cut at Ironwood, was bandaged beneath the coat. A stain spread at the seam as he braced. I wanted to take his place. He met my eyes and shook his head once. Then he planted his feet more firmly.

Helena reached the stove with iron tongs. Gideon had Severin pinned against the table, but the older man twisted his hand free and drove a kni