Arthur didn't give Kai time to adjust back. He slammed a sharp jab at Kai's ribs, forcing him to release Maya's leg. Kai stepped back a bit—blocked the punch with his forearm, but the punch was strong enough to send the shockwaves to his bones. Kai's expression finally turned serious for the first time in this whole interaction.
"Stay out of this," Kai muttered.
"Not a chance in a million years." Arthur's tone didn't waver for even a second.
He glanced over his shoulder towards Maya, who was already pushing herself up. "Maya, protect Ryan," Arthur ordered. "Don't let him get hit once again; he's not on that level to protect himself."
Maya wiped up a drop of blood from her lip and gave a quick nod. "Got it."
Arthur turned back to Kai. His shoulders rolled slightly, his guard rose as he took his stance, and in that single motion, his entire presence shifted. Calm became sharp; stillness turned dangerous.
Kai's lips curled into a big smirk. "So it's like that, huh?"
