In the Neverglades, inside the swarm-type Gate World, Aethelstan had Deron pinned against the canyon wall, his forearm pressing against the white-haired knight's throat.
"I... I was helping!" Deron choked out, his hands gripping Aethelstan's vambrace, trying to pry it loose. His eyes were wide with genuine confusion. "You were open! The beast would have got you!"
"I had it under control!" Aethelstan roared, his face flushed a dark, ugly red. "I was baiting it! I was setting up my Solar Strike! And you—you clumsy, glory-seeking fool—you stepped into my light!"
"Prince, stop!" Corvell shouted, rushing forward but stopping short of grabbing royalty.
"Please, Aethelstan, Get off him," Teson begged.
Nessa shadow jumped into the fray. She finger-struck Aethelstan on his elbow.
Suddenly, the prince's arm went numb, his grip faltering. Nessa placed herself as a barrier between them both when Aethelstan stumbled backwards.
