Eloi didn't realize his question had fallen on deaf ears.
Ryley hadn't heard a single word.
His enraged gaze remained fixed on Soren's trembling figure at his feet, his chest rising and falling beneath the cloak as something painful twisted tighter inside him.
"Leave…"
Eloi frowned, unsure if he had heard him correctly.
Ryley's eyes never left Soren.
"LEAVE US ALONE!"
His voice thundered through the dead of night, loud enough to make both Eloi and Angus jolt.
Neither needed to be told twice.
One look at the fury burning in Ryley's eyes—even though none of it was directed at them—was enough.
Eloi swallowed hard and began backing away, while Angus followed with far more reluctance, casting one last curious glance over his shoulder before leaving the two of them alone.
Soren was still trying to push himself back onto his feet when Ryley suddenly lunged forward.
His hand closed around Soren's throat.
