The silence that followed Leonard's vow was thick and suffocating. It hung in the air like the aftershock of a thunderclap, crackling with something unspoken. Katherine's hands were clenched, her back rigid against the cushions of the couch, and her heart thudded erratically in her chest.
"I meant what I said," Leonard spoke again, his voice low but unwavering. "If anyone tries to hurt you or the twins, I won't just stand by. I'll cut them down. Miranda, or anyone else, I don't care who is it."
Katherine flinched slightly, not from fear, but from the raw, terrifying sincerity in his tone. He was serious, like dead serious. His fists were loosely clenched at his sides, jaw taut, eyes dark and stormy with resolve.
