Valinor Nayla Xerian's assertive voice took everyone by surprise. I let my breath go and turned to look at him with my teary eyes. “I said, stop.” This time he growled at the guard holding the axe above me. The guard did as he was told and stepped away. Xerian rushed to my side, aiding me to my feet. I wasn't sure what was happening but as long as I wasn't getting my fingers chopped off, I was happy. “Xerian what are you doing?” We turned to the king and I noticed he had gotten up from his throne. The queen had gotten up too and so did Katlyn. “I’m saving an innocent person from having her fingers cut off for something she had no hand in.” I looked at Xerian as he spoke with so much confidence. “Xerian you are countering your father's order. The King.” His mother spoke after a

