The living room felt frozen solid.
Lucian's father stood in the center of it like a storm given form, his presence crushing the air out of the space. Rage clung to him so thick it was almost visible, his sharp gaze locked onto Lucian like a blade.
"What did you do?" his father thundered. "Where is she?!"
The word echoed off the walls.
Despite the fury rolling toward him, Lucian did not move. Did not flinch. His voice remained steady as ice when he answered,
"I don't understand. What are you talking about?"
His father scoffed, taking a step forward. "Don't insult my intelligence. Where is your mother?! How dare you hide her from me!"
Lucian finally lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable, his voice dangerously calm.
"Wasn't she already dead to you?" he asked. "So why does it matter now?"
The air seemed to drop several degrees.
His father's jaw clenched hard enough to grind teeth. "Watch your mouth."
