The Confrontation
339 Words
The torchlight painted sharp shadows across her father’s face as he stepped into the garden. His eyes burned with the emerald fire that ran in every Valeris vein, and his voice carried the weight of centuries.
“Inside. Now.”
For a heartbeat, Brittany thought about obeying—slipping back into the safety of the ballroom before the whispers began. But Matt didn’t step away. He remained at her side, his presence unyielding, his blue eyes calm as winter ice.
“Your daughter was merely enjoying the evening,” Matt said smoothly, his voice laced with quiet defiance.
Her father’s gaze cut to him like a blade. “She doesn’t need a Draxon to keep her company.”
“Perhaps not,” Matt replied, unflinching, “but it seems she prefers it.”
Brittany’s breath caught. Bold. Too bold.
Her father’s jaw tightened, his hands curling at his sides. The air thrummed with danger, as if the entire garden held its breath.
“Do you know the cost of your arrogance, boy?” her father growled.
Matt’s smile was faint, but it carried the edge of a predator who had never once known fear. “I know exactly what it costs, Valeris. And I’m willing to pay it.”
For the first time, Brittany saw her father hesitate. Only for a second—but long enough. Long enough for her to feel the spark of power shift.
“Come, Brittany,” her father snapped, turning away. “We’ll discuss your… lapse in judgment when we’re home.”
She moved to follow, but Matt’s hand brushed against hers—barely a touch, yet enough to send a shiver racing up her arm. She glanced back at him, and he held her gaze, his voice low so only she could hear.
“This isn’t over.”
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she slipped her hand from his and followed her father back into the ballroom. But she knew Matt was right.
It wasn’t over.
It was only the beginning.
- Writer
