Zane~
"Who is she?"
My father's voice held an edge like it was made of ice and steel.
I froze, breath hitching. Slowly, I turned to face him, our eyes locking. The eerie yellow hue was gone now, replaced by his usual sharp blue. But there was no comfort in them—just a quiet storm of curiosity laced with a sharper edge... like he was calculating every move I made.
I didn't answer.
Didn't get the chance to.
Because his nostrils flared, and his gaze snapped toward Natalie like a hunting hound catching a scent.
"It's her, isn't it? Natalie," he said, his voice dropping to a raw, aching whisper—laced with betrayal, the kind of pain only someone who's been hurt could understand.
My heart stopped.
Natalie straightened up, but unlike everyone else, she didn't flinch. Instead, she raised her chin, her eyes locked on his like a silent dare—go ahead, say my name without respect. I dare you.
My father turned to me slowly, his jaw tight, eyes narrowing as they burned into mine.
