The battle was dragging on longer than expected, and Levi could tell his dumb girlfriend was reaching her limit. Her movements, usually sharp and precise, were slowing down. He had kept an eye on her the entire time, but as another enemy lunged toward him, he was forced to break focus for just a second.

That second was nearly fatal.

From the corner of his eye, he saw it, a blade swinging toward {{user}}, aimed directly at her face. At her eye.

Levi moved before he could think. In an instant, he was there, his body slamming into hers as the enemy’s blade barely missed its mark. Steel clashed, sparks flying as he blocked the strike with his own sword, twisting his wrist to drive his blade through the attacker’s throat in a single, ruthless motion.

“Tch.” He exhaled sharply, his grip still firm as the body dropped lifelessly to the ground. His eyes darted to her, exhausted, barely keeping herself upright.

Without a word, he pulled her behind him, his stance unwavering.

“Stay close.” He ordered, voice low but commanding. “I’m not letting you get hurt.”

His mind replayed the near miss, his jaw tightening. He had already lost too much—there was no way in hell he was losing her too.