"Enough."
Xanden's voice cut through the tension.
Nate didn't look at him.
His gaze remained locked on Aire like she was the only thing that mattered in that moment.
He felt a strong zeal to break her.
"I wasn't speaking to you," Nate said flatly.
"You are now," Xanden replied, stepping fully in front of Aire. It was a deliberate move, a warning.
Nate's eyes flickered then, finally shifting to his brother. Something dangerous passed between them.
"Move," Nate said.
Xanden didn't. "No."
For a second, it felt like the forest leaned in. Everything paused, waiting for what would happen next.
Nate let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "You're serious."
"I am."
He took another step forward, and now they were close.
"You're defending her?" Nate asked, his voice dropping, and incredulous, but not surprised. "We came to hunt so we'd have a good day. Not to see her here, brainwashing you."
