Meeting Rory's gaze, both Xarion and Jasper shuffled forward, looking unexpectedly pitiful.
Jasper glanced at Nix, then spoke first.
"Rory, let me go first."
His tone was calm, almost clinical as he analyzed the situation.
"If Xarion's ability can still backlash against me, then it means his power hasn't been neutralized. In that case, there's no need for Nix to try afterward."
Nix snapped his head toward him, stunned.
He hadn't expected Jasper to step forward like that—placing himself in front of him.
A surge of emotion welled up in Nix's chest, his eyes stinging as tears nearly surfaced.
No!
He was a man of pride—how could he let his brother take the hit for him?
Nix immediately strode forward, dragging Jasper behind him, squaring his shoulders as he faced Rory.
"Rory, I'll go first!"
He thumped his chest, producing a series of dull, solid thuds.
"Jasper's not as tough as I am. What if Xarion hurts him?"
