I stood at the entrance of the Celestial Apothecary Guild, my body tense and ready for battle. The morning light cast long shadows across the courtyard as I faced the Ashworth delegation. My gaze locked immediately on Corbin Ashworth's smug face, then shifted to Harrison—Isabelle's father—whose eyes couldn't quite meet mine.
"Where is my niece?" Corbin demanded, stepping forward with the arrogance of a man used to getting his way.
I felt my anger rising, hot and dangerous. "She's safe. Away from people who would harm her."
"You have no right to keep her," Corbin said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Isabelle is an Ashworth. She belongs with her family."
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Family? You mean the same family that handed her over to the Veridia City Martial Guild? The same family that let them drain her blood until she was nearly dead?"
Harrison flinched visibly at my words. Good. He should feel the sting of his failure.
