But his blade isn't there to block - for instead of moving to strike again it streaks upward to protect his eyes. He staggers back with the force of her tackle but stays upright, his solid legs taking firm stance on the ground. The elbow of his broken arm lashes out, slamming towards her gut, even though he knows the impact will shoot screaming pain through his arm. It isn't important.

Because somehow, he knows.

He knows that Venus is the last. That this is the end. That if he doesn't defeat her, she goes on to kill Wyatt and take the crown.

And that, he will never allow to happen.