"Soleia!"
Rafael stood at the doorway, his shoulders rising and falling as he panted, his eyes searching for Soleia's. However, they quickly went to the silver-haired woman who stood in the room, almost blocking his view.
Elinora turned back, her smile never fading before fully spinning her body around to look at Rafael.
"Your Highness!" she exclaimed, joy in her voice. "We were just talking about you―"
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Rafael demanded.
He stormed forward, a whip made of blood wrapping around Elinora's neck before yanking her out of the way. As Elinora stumbled and tried to regain her bearings, Rafael quickly placed himself in between her and Soleia, using his body to shield the latter.