Out of nowhere, a burly, yellow-haired man with tattoos all over his arms charged toward Ariel and Rhysand, swinging a baseball bat with a menacing grin.
His steps were heavy and unsteady, giving off the sharp stench of alcohol.
Before Ariel could react, Rhysand stepped forward, positioning himself firmly between her and the charging man, his calm expression revealing no trace of fear.
As the man drew closer, Rhysand moved fluidly, blocking the attacker's swing while somehow managing to keep hold of the daisy bouquet in his left hand.
It was as if the weight of the flowers didn't faze him at all, even though he was prepared to take on an armed opponent.
Ariel watched in awe.
The tattooed man stumbled back, narrowing one eye in a glare as he clutched his throbbing shoulder.
"You blind, or what?" he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How dare you hit me?"
