(Nyla's POV)
His presence alone thickens the air, making every other figure fade, like the room exists for him alone.
“Why,” he asks slowly. His eyes harden as they move from Rowan’s face to Derick’s, demanding an answer. “Would she go to the Nightbane Pack… when she should be going to the Crescent Moon Pack?”
Rowan blinks. “S-Sorry?”
“You heard me.”
Before Rowan can speak again, Derick steps forward. “And who are you to make that decision? I decide where she goes and where she doesn’t.”
Darius’ gaze snaps to him—cold, sharp, dangerous.
“No,” Darius says quietly, “you don’t.”
Derick stiffens. “What?”
Derick steps forward, jaw tight, eyes burning.
“Who do you think you are,” Derick snaps, “barging in here and giving orders about her? I decide what happens to her, not you.”
He tur
