For the first time in a long while, Atticus found himself utterly helpless. His reaction was just a second too slow and he could only watch as Daphne was ripped out of his arms and slammed against the wall. Nereus's fingers were wrapped around her throat, unbudging even as she clawed at his hand.
"Daphne!"
Both Zephyr and Atticus charged forward at the same time, but Nereus turned around, his glowing eyes staring straight at them. With just one wave, a powerful tidal wave crashed into both men, sending them tumbling backward.
Atticus had barely managed to put up a shield to help him stand his ground after sliding a short distance, but Zephyr hadn't been so lucky. He was shot right out of the palace, slamming through the wall as the stone crumbled from the impact.