"Elenore!" John bellowed, his voice echoing through the tense air as he locked eyes on the two figures before him. Gabriel stood beside Elenore, grasping both of her hands as if to restrain her from moving.
John's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, the metal glinting menacingly in the fading light. "Stay away from her!" he shouted, the fury boiling within him.
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, desperation etched across his features. "Cousin, please—"
But John's anger surged. The thought of Gabriel's presence, so close to Elenore, was a threat he could not ignore. He felt the urge to strike, to end the danger that loomed before him. "Elenore, stand my back. Quickly!" he commanded, his tone brokering no argument.
"John, calm down," she urged, her voice steady yet laced with concern.
"Now, Elenore!" John yelled, frustration and fear intertwining in his heart. .