“I’ll handle Alistair myself,” he said. Determination sat in the words, not empty bravado. “I’ll entrust my daughter’s safety to you. I promise — I’ll provide better treatment for Liam as well.”
That was it. Short. Heavy. He exchanged a look with Seraphina, a micro-gesture that said more than the words. Then, as if the scene had been closed with a curtain, they both bowed once and left.
I let out the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding and turned toward my door. The night had already taken more than it should have. My muscles burned with tiredness, my head felt like a slow drumbeat behind my eyes. I wanted nothing more than a door shut and a few hours of sleep.
Before I took another step, Mia grabbed my wrist like a vise.
“Not so fast.”
Her grip was fierce. Her face was raw with ang
