-LILIAN-
The sudden surge of strength that allowed me to push Alexander away was an act of pure, desperate instinct. A final, guttural refusal of utter subjugation. My body screamed for relief, for peace, for oblivion, but my spirit, against all odds, clung to a last, fragile thread of defiance. I stared at him, my heart hammering against my ribs, expecting his immediate, brutal retaliation. His eyes, still blazing crimson, confirmed his renewed rage. His jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscles bulging. His hands, still curled into fists, trembled with suppressed violence.
"You dare," he snarled, the words low and dangerous, a warning rumble from deep within his chest. "After everything? After Uriel? After I warned you about Elara?"
My breath hitched at the mention of her nam
