His heart stops. His heart literally stops as the axe starts its downward swing; a crescendo builds from the very tips of his toes but before it can escape, Emma isn't dead, the walls aren't spattered with blood and brains, and all of a sudden his heart starts beating again. It thunders in his head, behind his eyes.

It doesn't even occur to him that throwing himself at Jordie leaves his back completely exposed, there's only one thing on his mind.

Emma shouldn't have to fight.