His face was pale with grief, his eyes rimmed with red fury.
Uncle Gaius Hale.
Julian froze where the hallway opened, watching as the man staggered forward. Before he could move, his father appeared — Roman Ravenshade, tall and commanding, appearing instantly at his son's side. With one hand, Roman pressed Julian gently behind him.
"Brother," Roman said, his voice measured, steady. "What has happened?"
Gaius's lips curled, his chest heaving. "It's all your fault, Roman. I warned you."
"Gaius, what—"
The words were cut off as Gaius lunged, faster than even Julian could track. Roman was thrown like a ragdoll into the far wall with enough force to shatter it, stone and plaster raining down in dust.
Julian surged forward in panic, but Roman raised a hand, commanding him silently not to interfere.
Roman stood, brushing the rubble from his shoulders, though his gaze softened with grief. "Gaius—"
