"Madeleine, be careful!" Rusell and Edward exclaimed simultaneously.
As their cries rang out, Howard immediately bolted forward without hesitation and shielded Madeleine in front of him.
Before Howard could steady himself, he heard the sound of the blade sinking into flesh.
Madeleine only saw the knife lunging towards her chest after Rusell and Edward warned her to be careful.
If she were sober, her quick reflexes might have allowed her to dodge the attack, but having consumed alcohol, and nearly being violated, she was still regathering her senses, leaving her momentarily stupefied.
