Vane's words hung in the air, thick with menace. Lyra felt her pulse quicken as his gaze stayed fixed on her, a dark glint in his eyes that sent shivers racing down her spine. There was something about him—something dangerous that made her want to shrink away, but she couldn't. Not now. Not with Kael standing so close, tension radiating off him in waves.
Kael growled low in his throat, his body shifting protectively in front of Lyra. "You're not touching her, Vane."
Vane's smirk widened, his sharp features twisting into something more sinister. "Still the loyal protector, I see. How noble of you, Kael." He took a step closer, his movements deliberate, taunting. "But how long do you think you can keep her safe? You can't protect her from all of us."