Ravenna paused, but she didn't turn around.
Behind her, steps approached and Alari stood before her.
Alaric stopped a breath away and asked, his voice low but biting, "Are you really willing to leave your son behind… to save an insignificant man?"
Her chest tightened. That word, insignificant, cut deeper than she expected. Was Liam insignificant? He had done a lot of mistakes, but could he be blamed for it? Only she should. Apart from that, he was once a person who helped her when she and her brothers were in need. He was her friend. So, he was not insignificant. She scoffed quietly and bitterly, but she still didn't say anything to Alaric. If she spoke now, she might regret her words later.
She tried to pass him, needing space before she shattered completely. But Alaric's hand shot out again, catching hers. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly and possessively.
"I won't allow you to go anywhere," he said, his breath brushing her face.
