ASH
For one second, nobody moved.
Then everything happened at once.
Rafe pulled Leo sideways as the first guard advanced. Juno dropped behind the dais. Two Elders scrambled for the exits. Soren stayed seated, which was either brave or resigned—I couldn't tell which.
I stepped between my father's gun and Leo.
Magnus didn't lower the weapon. "Move, Ash."
"No."
The word came out steadier than I felt. Behind me I could hear Leo and Rafe dealing with the guards—controlled chaos, the sound of bodies hitting marble.
"This is the last time I'll ask you," my father said.
"I know."
His eyes searched my face for something—hesitation, maybe. A way back. He didn't find it, because it wasn't there anymore. Whatever thread had been holding me to him had snapped somewhere between locking Leo in
