TILL DEATH KEEP US APART

IVAN POV

I was starting to get tired of blocking Arianne's attacks, the ache in my arms spreading down my spine, my breath coming in short, pained bursts. Arianne was relentless, each strike harder and sharper than the last, her eyes blazing with a fury I hadn't seen before. I barely had time to parry as her blade came down again, ringing against mine with a force that sent vibrations through my entire body.

"Arianne, please!" I pleaded, my voice hoarse, desperate. She didn't even flinch. Her gaze was locked onto her mother, Irene, who stood frozen at the edge of the arena, shock and terror twisting her face. She was as helpless as I was, yet she was the reason Arianne's rage flared this way.

Arianne lunged forward again, her movements quick and deadly, but before she could close the distance, I seized her by the waist, pulling her tight against me. Her back pressed into my front, her body struggling wildly as I locked my arms around her.