Alaric's eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating intensity as he stared at the Blackwoods. The tension in the room was palpable, but his words carried the weight of his demand with unflinching clarity.
"I know your family isn't involved," Alaric said, his voice steady, but there was an edge to it that made it clear he wasn't here for pleasantries. "But I have to be sure. If you help me find which family cursed my sister, I will leave your family alone."
Evelyn's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing to process the gravity of Alaric's words. She could feel the intensity behind his request, the storm brewing beneath his calm facade. Her father, Viktor Blackwood, stood rigid, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the ultimatum.
"And if we don't help you?" Viktor asked, his tone cautious but firm.
