The words cracked like a whip. Alex flinched, his breath catching in his throat. Harper stepped instinctively in front of him, but Liam moved faster, shoving her gently aside, standing his ground against his father.
"He's not the enemy!" Liam shouted, his voice fierce and unyielding. The sound of it bounced off the high ceiling, daring the silence to swallow it.
The Lord's jaw tightened, his aura pressing harder until it was almost impossible to breathe. Alex could feel it like chains around his chest, dragging the air from his lungs. Even Leo bent slightly under the pressure, his teeth gritted, but Liam—Liam stood tall, green eyes blazing with defiance.
"Explain yourself," the Lord commanded, his voice cold as ice.
