Ruby drew in a long, heavy breath, her chest rising slowly as she steadied herself. The fire in her eyes dimmed, and when she lifted them back to Kaelan, they weren't burning with anger anymore—they were dark, weary, carrying a heaviness that made the corridor feel smaller. Her lips trembled before curling into a sad smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Kaelan," she whispered, her fists clenching at her sides. "I don't have any right to shout at you like that." Her voice cracked softly, the anger now peeling back to reveal the truth beneath. "Actually… I was scared. Scared because of what happened out there. I can't stand the thought of losing any of you."
Her gaze softened on him, breaking his armor in a way her shouting never could. "Thank you for helping my husbands," she added quietly, the words both sincere and raw. Kaelan shifted uncomfortably under her stare, his arrogance suddenly feeling like a brittle shield.
