Soleia's response was to wrap her arms tightly around his neck, clinging onto him as though she would never want to let go. The fact that Rafael was still living and breathing was nothing short of a wondrous miracle. Somehow, she had stolen Rafael's life straight from the jaws of death.
Tears of relief welled up within her eyes at the realization that she could have lost him for good, and Rafael could only shoot her a loving, indulgent smile at her display of emotion. He patted her hair softly, relishing in the familiar embrace.
A stray blood whip flew at them, intending to spear Soleia when her back was turned. But Rafael was not the same man he was mere minutes ago. With a sharp bark of laughter, he crooked his fingers. Immediately, a dome of blood formed over both of them, causing Ricard's paltry attempt at assassination to bounce harmlessly off the protective shield.
