Zephyr’s fingers tightened around Ryker’s throat. His grip was unyielding, his knuckles pale from the pressure. “Apologize,” he scolded, his voice dangerously low. “Do it now,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for defiance.
But Ryker strained a laugh, a rasping, breathless sound that sent a flicker of rage down Zephyr’s spine. Veins bulged on his skin.
“Zephyr, stop!” Iris’s voice rang through the dining hall, thick with desperation. Her wide eyes glistened with tears, her trembling hands covering her mouth.
She darted forward, her bare feet padding against the cold wooden floor. Ryker’s face was already turning red, his breaths coming in jagged gasps.
“Stop it, Zephyr!” Iris reached for his wrist as she tried to pry his fingers away. But Zephyr didn’t let go. Not yet.
She fell t
