Across town, Gale and Axel were talking when loud knocks echoed through the door.
— "What the hell is that?" asked Axel.
— "No idea," replied Gale, standing up.
Axel opened the door — and Ray stormed in like a hurricane.
— "How could you keep this from me?!" he roared.
— "Ray, calm down," said Axel quickly. "Let us explain—"
— "Explain what?! That Klaus tried to hurt Isabella while you both stayed quiet?!"
Gale tried to speak, but a scream tore through the air.
From upstairs.
— "Isabella!" shouted Ray, rushing up the stairs.
He burst into the room. Isabella was curled up, shaking, her eyes wide with fear.
— "Isa… it's me. Calm down, I'm here."
But she didn't seem to recognize him. Panic flashed in her eyes — claws appeared, and she slashed out. Blood dripped down Ray's arm.
— "Isa, no!" yelled Gale, running in.
Axel caught Ray before he fell.
Gale grabbed Isabella's shoulders gently, murmuring:
— "Look at me, Isa. It's me, Gale. You're safe. Breathe…"
Slowly, her body relaxed.
Her eyes refocused — and when she saw Ray's bleeding arm, horror filled her face.
— "No… no, what have I done? Ray… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…"
Ray didn't answer. He turned away and left the room without a word.
Tears burst from her eyes. She collapsed, sobbing.
Gale held her close while Axel whispered softly:
— "It's not your fault, Isa. You were scared. It was just instinct."
Eventually, she fell asleep, exhausted, her head against Gale's chest.
Later, Gale and Axel went downstairs. Ray sat there, his arm bandaged, eyes dark.
Axel spoke carefully.
— "It's not her fault, Ray. You know that."
Ray looked up, his voice low and heavy.
— "I know. But it doesn't matter. I'm just angry… at myself. Because I couldn't protect her."
Gale's shoulders sank.
— "I'm sorry for what Klaus did. It's unforgivable."
Ray shot up, jaw tight.
— "Stop. Don't apologize for him. Klaus made his choice. He deserves neither your excuses nor your pity."
A heavy silence fell. Gale nodded slowly.
— "You're right."
He grabbed his jacket.
— "I'll go. Axel, call me if you need anything."
Axel met his eyes briefly, then nodded.
Gale left without another word.
Moments later, Axel's phone rang.
He frowned.
— "It's the center. They need me right now."
Ray stood up.
— "Go. I'll stay here with Isabella. I'll watch over her."
— "You sure?"
— "Yeah. Go ahead. She's safe with me."
Axel clapped his shoulder and hurried out.
Silence filled the house again.
Ray sighed deeply, sadness and anger still burning behind his eyes.
He walked upstairs, stopping in front of her door.
His hand lingered on the handle… then he opened it.