The moment the elder stepped forward, Cassie moved in front of him, arms spread wide.
"Move," the elder said flatly, his tone cold.
"No," Cassie replied firmly.
"This is not the time for stubbornness," he retorted, his voice rough.
Cassie looked at all of them. Her shoulders were shaking, but her eyes didn't back down.
"That's Sophie," she said slowly. "She's not just some random person. She's our friend. She's been with us from near the beginning. She fought with us. Bled with us. She kept us alive with her strategies."
Her voice cracked a bit, but she forced herself to continue. "You say we should kill her… but has she asked for that? Has Gabriel seen her? Has he given up? No. He would never give up without trying first. So I won't either!"
"Cassie…"
