Olivia's POV
"No one dares," Levi growled.
I turned slowly to face him.
For a moment, the entire yard seemed to stop breathing.
The guards stood frozen, eyes darting between us, trapped between two authorities. The warriors who had been cheering earlier now stared at the ground, shame etched into their faces. The whip lay abandoned in the dirt, dark with Lennox's blood.
My chest tightened painfully.
I took a step forward.
Then another.
"I said untie him," I repeated, my voice calm—but edged with authority. "That was not a suggestion. That was an order."
"This doesn't concern you," Levi snapped. "We had an agreement—"
I laughed.
But there was no humor in it.
"You flogged a man nearly to death," I said quietly. "And you think the problem here is a bet?"
Levi's jaw tightened. His eyes flickered—and then his voice slammed into my mind.
What the hell are you doing, Olivia?
I didn't break eye contact with him as I replied through the mind link.
Release him, Levi.
