The figure stepped into the room, its features illuminated by the soft candlelight. Emilia's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Liam's brother, Ethan – the one who had attacked her in the cemetery.
*Ethan,* Liam said warily, his sword still raised. *What are you doing here?*
Ethan sneered.
*I've come to take you home, brother. Father's growing impatient with your little rebellion.*
Liam stood firm.
*I won't go back. Not until I've uncovered the truth about our family's past... and the war with the Blood Moon Clan.*
Ethan snorted.
*The truth? You mean the truth about your little girlfriend?* He gestured toward the wardrobe, where Emilia hid. *Father knows all about her, Liam. And he's not pleased.*
Emilia's heart sank. If Liam's father knew about her...
*What does Father plan to do?* Liam asked, his voice low and even.
Ethan shrugged.
*Nothing... yet. But he will, soon enough. You know how he feels about the Blood Moon Clan. And now that you've gone and fallen for one of them...* He shook his head. *You're either very brave or very stupid, brother.*
Liam's eyes narrowed.
*Emilia has nothing to do with this war, Ethan. She's innocent.*
Ethan laughed.
*Innocent? She's a Blood Moon, Liam! They're all guilty by bloodline!*
Emilia felt her anger rising. She pushed aside the wardrobe doors and stepped out, facing Ethan.
*That's enough,* she said, her voice firm. *I won't let you talk about my clan like that.*
Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed.
*So, you're the little Blood Moon princess,* he sneered. *I've heard a lot about you. None of it good.*
Emilia stood tall, despite the fear creeping up her spine.
*I'm not afraid of you, Ethan,* she said. *Or your father. We'll uncover the truth about this war, no matter what you do.*
Ethan snorted.
*We'll see about that,* he said, drawing his sword. *Liam, choose: come with me now, or fight me for your little girlfriend.*