It all felt like it happened in slow motion and too fast at the same time. It would have been enough to retaliate if Shadra had just grabbed Rebecca's arm. That alone would have been reason enough. But the anomaly, the darkness that had spread from Shadra into Rebecca for that moment, that pushed him over the edge.

     Alvios drew his sword in one swift motion, swinging horizontally at Shadra to keep her back, and to send a message to the crowd around him about how much room he would need. "Everyone back away from her, [b]NOW![/b] Don't touch her! If any of you get the chance, take Rebecca to the Elders!" His voice lowered once he had spoken out for the people, his tone colder and directed at Shadra. "I don't know who or what you are, Shadra, but you're going to regret what just happened." His off-hand moved to the hilt of his sword now, readying up for a more lethal stroke, his eyes glancing over Rebecca as he moved himself between Shadra and the child.

     "I swear it."