Briar
The tension in the air was palpable as Nova's hand hung suspended, inches from my face. I could smell her expensive perfume, see the fury blazing in her eyes that were so like Damian's. Then, a voice cut through the silence like a thunderclap.
"Mother! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
My heart leapt into my throat as I turned to see Damian in the doorway. He looked terrible - his skin was ashen, dark circles under his eyes, and he seemed to be swaying slightly on his feet. But his gaze was sharp and fierce as he strode forward, grabbing Nova's wrist.
"Damian!" Nova gasped, her anger momentarily replaced by surprise and concern. "You shouldn't be out of bed, sweetheart. You need to rest, you're not well!"
Damian's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek as he release
