Penny's fingers shot to her neck the moment she felt the sting. Her fingertips came away smeared with blood from a small, sharp cut.
She might've panicked—had she been alone. But her eyes immediately darted to Darius, who looked far more shaken than she was.
"I-It's okay," she said quickly, trying to calm him, her voice steady despite the sudden pain.
But Darius didn't speak. He stepped forward, swept her into his arms, and held her with such reverent care, it was as if a second's delay could shatter her.
"Beta Darius, I'm fine! It's just a small cut," she protested, her voice tinged with half-hearted amusement, her hands gripping his shoulder for balance.
He didn't answer. His jaw was set, eyes stormy with something deeper than concern. He moved with urgent silence until they reached his quarters. A swift kick shut the door behind them, the thud echoing through the room like a final warning to the world outside.
