The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven) novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

One of the three people was a gorgeous guy, probably in his twentics. He couldn’t hold back a cold laugh.

His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Be your bodyguard? Fine, whatever. But three million a year? Who’re you trying to lowball with that?”

This pretty guy was Brynjar, one of Raven’s inner circle and a member of “the Triad” from “Valhalla“, a global military force. People call him Brynjar “the Blade.”

Dane’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous spark flickering in them. “If that’s your answer, you’re finished.”

The words barely landed before he charged at Brynjar, moving quick.

“Ugh!” A rough sound slipped out.

But halfway through his attack, a burning pain tore through his right arm.

He looked down–his tailored suit sleeve was slashed open.

Underneath, a deep cut stretched nearly the length of his forearm.

Blood gushed out, soaking the fabric fast, the wound so severe you could glimpse bone.

Sweat dotted his forehead, the pain hitting hard.

But Dane wasn’t soft.

Even with his arm throbbing, his expression stayed steady, almost unnaturally calm.

Brynjar spun a small, finger–sized knife between his fingers, smirking.

“I said three million’s not enough. And with moves that weak, you thought you’d get the drop on me?” His tone was almost lazy.

“Who are you?” Dane forced out through clenched teeth.

The pain made every word a struggle for him.

He’d trained under a combat master since he was young–his skills ranked among Bastion’s best, no question.

Even the city’s top fighter couldn’t hit him that fast.

But this guy? Dane hadn’t even seen the strike coming.

For a moment, he’d felt death graze him.

Brynjar gave a short laugh. “You? You don’t get to know my name.”

With a quick flick, a rope tightened around Dane’s wrist, locking him in place.

“He’s so set on saving his fiancée, huh? Bring her in,” she said, her tone even.

For the first time, he felt powerless, like a tide pulling him under.