The forest held its breath. Time itself seemed to stagger between one heartbeat and the next.
Axel’s fists trembled at his sides.Ivy could see the war in his eyes, the way every muscle screamed for release, for violence. But something held him back. Her promise?
Ivy stepped out of the car, the kid bleating softly in her arms.“Axel, please…drop it. Let's…let's go home.” she said, looking between the two men,again and again.
Axel exhaled hard, his eyes flicking to her just for a breath, and in that moment…Elias moved.
Not to attack. But to kneel.
The forest seemed to shiver at the sight.
“I am not your enemy, Ivy,” Elias said, gaze lifted, now soft.
Axel moved in one swift stride, placing himself between her and Elias.
Elias’s eyes darkened as he focused on Axel now. “She is changin
