Lara's eyes widened in alarm as Sandoz launched himself toward her. If he crashed into her, the impact would surely send fresh waves of pain through her still-healing body. She barely had time to react.
A tall figure moved like a shadow before her, stepping between them with effortless ease.
Sandoz yelped as he collided into something solid—a man's strong legs. Stumbling back, he blinked in confusion before tilting his head up. His wide eyes met the imposing presence of a tall, striking man with sharp, unreadable features.
The boy's excitement faltered. He frowned, his small face scrunching in confusion before his gaze darkened with something akin to resentment.
"Who… who are you?" Sandoz asked cautiously, eyeing Alaric with suspicion.
Why had this man blocked him from hugging his sister?
Alaric met the child's glare with a cold, impassive stare, his posture relaxed but commanding.
