Andrew flinched the moment Raze spoke. His expression shifted wildly, first rage, then a flicker of panic, and finally a twisted, desperate resolve. His eyes darted toward their mother again, and before she could react, he lunged. He grabbed her by the hair, yanking her violently to her feet and dragging her back into place with the sword pressed against her neck.
"Don't try to play smart with me!" Andrew roared, his voice cracking with fury. "I'll cut her right now, stand down!"
Raze's face hardened, a deep frown etching itself across his features. Seeing Andrew manhandle their mother like that left a bitter taste burning in the back of his mouth.
"Andrew," Raze said quietly, "let her go."
His tone was calm, but the weight in those words struck like a hammer. Raze's gaze pierced straight into Andrew's soul. For the first time, Andrew felt like he was being stared down by something far beyond him, something ancient and terrifying.
