Kratos heaved up a nearby tree trunk, one damaged from their earlier exchange, and the stranger charged in response. When he was within range, Kratos swung the trunk in a wide arc, batting him back across the yard, where he crashed into the rake of the roof.
He had to prevent the stranger from entering his house and possibly uncovering the trapdoor. Above all else, he had to protect Atreus. Was that what this was all about? Did he intend to take or harm his son?
Kratos had to shut down his brain—act purely on instinct. As he raced toward the house, the stranger slid awkwardly off the roof. Kratos rammed him full force when the stranger hit the ground.
“Who are you hiding?” the stranger questioned, while repeatedly battering Kratos’ ribs.
