[ Rafa's breath catches as he finds himself beneath Hunter. He's unused to this. He always fights his own battles, despite having plenty of guards around him. Despite having Hunter around him, Hunter who is the greatest of all Rafa's warriors. Now, though, there's no arguing with Hunter. He's right, Rafa knows he is. It's too late for them to undo this. It had been too late the moment Hunter had run out. Rafa goes still, unwilling to make this worse for his husband. He stays where Hunter put him, his own hand curling in Hunter's shirt.

Then without any effort at all, it does get worse. The guards encircle them but push no further, and then...

That announcement.

Rafa understands at once. He's fought this fight ever since he was a child; of course he understands. ]

No!

[ He pushes forward a little and stands straighter, a possessive hand still curled around Hunter's shirt. ]

Not him. Give me anyone else! I do not care, just not him.

[ No movement. Rafa's fist tightens. ]

I said no! Do you hear me, all of you! This will not happen. I won't.

[ He makes a move towards one of the guards. He barely gets a step, before the whole ring of them slams their shields down into the ground, sending out a jolt of energy that throws Rafa back against Hunter. Then, above them both, the skies open again.

Sunlight beams down, searing another burn across Rafa's cheek. He skitters back, fear exploding behind his eyes. ]

No. [ He looks up at Hunter now, eyes pleading. ] We cannot let them do this.