KIER
From the corner of my eye, I saw her go tense, her face paler than usual as she stared at her stepbrother.
"Why are you still sitting there? Stand up," I barked, pushing my door open and stepping out.
His smile widened—not at me, but at Genesis. That smile didn't sit right.
"Come here," I said. She tore her gaze away and walked over, eyes downcast, hesitant.
"What's your brother doing here?" I asked. Her head lifted slowly. Fear. Pure, unmistakable fear.
It had always been there, under the surface, but today it was sharper. During the drive back, she'd stared out the window like she was seeing something unreal—not just New York.
She shook her head.
Footsteps.
Richard descended the stairs, a maid trailing behind. I gestured toward the trunk. "To her room." They nodded, moving to unload the bags.
I turned to Genesis, whose brother's gaze lingered on her far too long.
"Let's go say hi to your brother," I said, a sharp smile on my face.
I didn't know why I grabbed her hand. Sweaty, slippery—but I held it anyway, dragging her toward the man who had the audacity to show up uninvited.
We stopped in front of him. I towered over him, enjoying the power. Pretending to be hospitable was not in the cards.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
His eyes flicked from me to Genesis. "Kier—"
"No. Wipe my name off your mouth," I said, staring him down.
He smirked, practiced and polished. "No need to be hostile. I just came to see my dear little sister. Is that a crime?"
Genesis stiffened, pressing closer to me. Her fingers clutched my coat. My jaw ticked.
"You don't come to our home unannounced," I said flatly.
He chuckled. "Ah, but we are family, are we not? I wanted to check in on Genesis. By now, you know how delicate she is."
He stepped forward, hand lifting toward her face.
Before he touched her, I caught his wrist. His head snapped to me. Hate burned through his polished mask.
"From now on, you step foot here only with an invitation—mine or hers," I ground out, tightening my grip until he flinched.
"I require a reply," he said, smirk fading.
Seconds passed. His gaze flicked back to her.
"Genesis… you don't want me here?"
I let go. She tugged at my coat, shaking her head.
"See?" he said smugly. "My sister doesn't mind me visiting."
"You want him to come?" I asked, voice low.
She nodded—but her eyes told the truth.
Something inside me snapped.
I grabbed her hand again. "Leave. Or the next thing I snap in two won't be your hand."
I didn't wait. I dragged her inside. He called after her.
"If you look at him," I said without slowing, "you won't like it."
She pressed against me. Door slammed. She moved away, eyes closed, bracing.
A growl rumbled in my chest.
I stormed off, coat falling where it landed. I needed to break something.
My phone was in my hand. Dialed. "Set it up. I'll be there. And I want more than one."
I didn't remember arriving. The tunnels, underground, a blur.
Then the roar. Bloodthirsty. Hungry.
Opponents waiting.
The crowd screaming my name.
"Knight Blood."
The bell rang.
I launched.
Fist met flesh. Sharp crack. Snarl of pain, not mine.
Another hit. Another body staggering back.
Not enough.
I wanted more. Needed more.
And tonight… tonight wouldn't end until the rage inside me was gone.