Vivian's face flushed with rage. "What's the difference?! The Southern Islands are under the Dark Snow Pack's control. That monster, Alpha Snow, will relish tearing our merchants apart and cooking them! Haven't you heard the rumors?! Why would you condemn my brother to such a fate?! This is unconscionable, Reana!"
Hearing his name being mentioned in the same breath as cannibalism, Ryder's gaze transformed, his eyes blazing with intensity as he shot a death glare at her. His jaw clenched, a subtle warning that he wouldn't tolerate such slander.
Vivian shivered, her hair stood on end as she sensed a withering glare that froze her heart, emanating from the servant's end of the table. Her eyes darted nervously to Ryder, expecting him to be the source of her discomfort, but to her surprise, he wasn't even looking at her. Instead, he continued to serve Reana with an air of quiet dedication, his expression serene.
