The new man- a prince, I think- has his blade to Westin's throat, and I slip the key into my pocket as Lady Miao cries out against violence.

"I am the remaker, I am the thief of faces, I see hope and faith and make them mine. I will put you to far better use than you could ever hope for on your own; I will take your skins and hands, and the tower will be mine."

I do not think, I move, I have promised to protect her, I need to protect her. I'm in motion even before I see the glint of the blade, throwing myself at him. I am bigger, and I hit him with all of my weight, because I do not care about his blade, or his words, or his coat, or his rage. Only care about her and that is enough to shield me, I know