The room went dead silent.
We all turned.
Standing in the doorway, blocking the sun, was Lord Rurik Jaeger. He wasn't wearing his uniform. He was wearing casual hunting leathers, his sleeves rolled up, revealing scars and muscle.
And he looked murderous.
"You," Rurik growled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in the floorboards. "Touched. The. Chef."
Behind him, General Rajah Khanda cracked his knuckles, grinning a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "And you threatened the cubs."
Archduke Cassian stepped into view, checking his pocket watch. "And you damaged my property. The floorboards are imported."
And in the corner of the room, the shadows stretched and twisted. Duke Lucien didn't speak. He just let the darkness curl around Barnaby's ankles.
My family huddled together, terrified. They realized, too late, that they hadn't walked into a daycare.
They had walked into a dragon's den.
"Who..." Petunia squeaked. "Who are you people?"
