He wasted no time, striding purposefully toward the stairs, his footsteps echoing like the drumbeats of an impending storm.
Each step fueled his fury, propelling him toward the confrontation he knew was inevitable.
Reaching the second floor, he locked eyes with the little girl who had been waiting for his arrival.
Her expression was impassive, but Yves could sense the malice behind her calm demeanor.
"Leave us alone," Yves demanded, his voice a venomous hiss that cut through the tension in the air.
Though Rayven wanted to escape, his broken ankle leaving him pathetic and reliant on crutches, he stood his ground behind Ciara.
His face was a mask of pain and defiance, a stark contrast to the childlike innocence of the girl in front of him.
He knew he had to remain steadfast, even as his body screamed for respite.
Yves' eyes flickered to Rayven, a mix of contempt and anger flashing across his face.
