The moment Odian stepped outside, he spotted the four males lingering uneasily by the door, their expressions tense, their bodies stiff with anticipation.
He didn't waste a word.
"Follow me."
His gaze swept over them—cold, unreadable—before he turned and strode away.
They hesitated only briefly, then hurried after him. The moment they reached the open clearing beside the stone houses, Odian struck.
No warning. No hesitation. A killing blow.
Sal and Kith moved in perfect sync behind him, their attacks swift and merciless.
Aviel and the others reacted instantly, raising their defenses.
"What are you doing, Odian?!"
Aviel twisted aside, barely dodging a strike.
"What do you think?" Odian's attacks were relentless, each one aimed to maim. "I'm teaching you a lesson on Nina's behalf."
"If Nina is angry, she should punish us herself," Aviel shot back, blocking another blow. "Even as the first mate, you don't have the right to act in her place."
