A flash of fire, acrid with the scent of ozone and ash, erupted in the center of the square. From the smoke stepped a figure clad in dark, battle-scarred armor, his presence making the very air hum with latent violence.

In an instant, Ares was a wall of polished bronze and muscle, his armored form now positioned squarely between Y/n and the smoldering tree, his movements a loud, sharp clatter of metal and purpose. The air around him shimmered with heat.