Daniel had no idea why the words had slipped out of him so suddenly, only that one instinct ruled everything else in that moment.
Protect Anna.
Nothing else mattered more than shielding her from Norma's venom.
"Daniel."
Anna's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Both Daniel and Norma turned sharply toward the sound. Anna was walking toward them, her expression tight, worry etched clearly into her features. The moment Daniel saw her eyes, his heart constricted painfully.
Did she hear everything?
The thought hit him hard. He searched her face for answers as she came closer, his body instinctively angling toward her, ready to shield her if needed.
"Collin is released," she said quietly, looking straight into his eyes.
For a split second, Daniel froze.
Then he exhaled, a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Relief flickered through him, sharp and fleeting. She hadn't heard. Or at least, not that part.
