Rhydan’s POV
“No.”
Rhydan moved before thought.
His arm snapped tighter around Aurenya, pulling her back into his chest like he could physically anchor her soul in place.
The shadow’s hand stopped mid-air.
Not because it hesitated.
Because something in Rhydan’s movement had… registered.
Like it recognized resistance.
Aurenya’s breath hitched sharply. “Rhydan…”
“I said no,” he repeated, voice low now. Dangerous in a different way. “You are not taking her.”
The shadow finally looked at him.
Really looked.
And for the first time—
its expression shifted.
Not anger.
Not amusement.
Recognition.
“You think I’m taking her,” it said softly.
Rhydan didn’t answer.
Kaelor stepped forward slightly, Lyssara still in his arms. “Rhydan, don’t escalate this.”
“I’m not escalating anythin
