The officer's hand came crashing down, striking the boy with a force that made Islinda's blood boil. She watched everything play out right in front of her with horror and despite her best efforts to control her anger, Islinda found herself struggling to contain the raging emotions bubbling within her.
Without a second thought, she leaped forward, her movements fueled by a potent mix of anger and desperation. Islinda pushed herself between the officer and the boy, her body acting on instinct alone.
"Don't —!" Islinda warned through gritted teeth, her eyes darkened with anger, "Hit him again."
Silence fell as tension rippled through the air. Gabi marveled at Islinda's bravery before worry marred her features at the gravity of her friend's action. She just interfered with a Fae serious, a serious offense in this realm. Moreover, she knew these Fae and they wouldn't take Islinda's challenge lightly.
