Kael's fists clenched tightly at his sides, his fingers digging into his palms. But he said nothing, keeping his silence like a shield.
Erian's smirk faded almost immediately, replaced by a cold, serious expression. He fixed Kael with a hard look and spoke firmly.
"Stay away from my sister."
Before Cecelia could say anything, Erian's eyes snapped to her, cutting her off with a sharp glare.
"I said, stay away."
The warning was hung over.
Without warning, Erian's arm moved—fast, like a striking viper. There was no hesitation, no sign of a warning blow.
His fist cut through the air with a sharp whip sound, the force behind it carrying the weight of someone who had clearly trained for years and years.
Kael barely had time to register what was happening. One moment, he was standing there, breathing steadily. The next, Erian's knuckles crashed squarely into his stomach.
CRACK!
