Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Toya had been sluggish to move when the light temporarily blinded him. As it faded, he had to look twice to make sure what he was seeing was real. Hyakuhei had turned to stone with his hands cupped around the crystal in the maiden’s hands.

He stumbled to his feet and reached Kyoko’s side in record time when he saw her fingers reaching out to touch Hyakuhei’s still form. He didn’t give a damn if the bastard was a statue now, he didn’t want any part of her touching him. She was almost touching his cheek when Toya reached her and took hold of her wrist.

“No,” he whispered with forced calm.

Kyoko cried out in surprise when the hand on her wrist pulled her back then turned her so fast it made her head spin. She looked up into Toya’s worried golden gaze with curiosity, wondering why he’d pulled her away.

“Don’t Kyoko… I don’t want you touching him,” Toya answered her unasked question. He felt his heart soar with relief now that she was in his arms… it was finally over.