Ruby's POV
Edward hauled himself off the ground, wincing as he wiped blood from his split lip. The force of Elias's kick had been brutal, leaving him gasping for air.
Despite his obvious pain, he immediately dropped to one knee, bowing his head in submission.
"I take complete responsibility for what happened today, Alpha. The fault lies entirely with me," he said, his voice strained but steady.
"If harm had come to Ruby, your death would barely scratch the surface of what you'd owe me," Elias's words cut through the air like ice.
Edward's shoulders tensed, his head dropping lower. "I'm begging you for another opportunity, Alpha. Allow me to continue protecting Miss Ross and prove my dedication. I swear on my life, no mistakes will happen again. You know there's no one better qualified for this position."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
My chest tightened as I watched the standoff, barely daring to breathe.
