The stranger's silver eyes settled on Elisa.
The room seemed to shrink.
Before anyone else could react, Flynn stepped in front of her.
His hand searched behind him until it found hers.
The instant their fingers intertwined, he held on tightly.
"You've been difficult to find," the stranger said.
His voice was calm.
Patient.
As though he had all the time in the world.
Elisa frowned.
"I don't know who you are."
"No."
The stranger's gaze never left hers.
"But I know exactly who you are."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
"What do you want with her?" Flynn asked, taking another step forward.
The stranger's eyes finally shifted to him.
For the first time since entering the house, he seemed... interested.
"You would stand before Death itself for her."
There was no mockery in his voice.
Only quiet observation.
Flynn didn't hesitate.
"I would."
"You believe you could stop me?"
"No."
Flynn's answer was immediate.
"I believe she'd never face you alone."
