Alaric met Henry's eyes, steady and unflinching. Aveline hadn't said it aloud, but he knew she was serious about them. Every glance, every decision, every time she chose to stay near spoke louder than words.
And Henry? His words, his actions? He wasn't just testing Alaric. He believed in Aveline. Believed in them.
But after watching his daughter endure what she had, it was only natural for him to be wary. To stand guard before letting anyone in again.
If earning his trust meant revealing how far he had already gone to protect her, so be it. He didn't intend to back down.
In a low, composed voice, Alaric said, "I would've handled it, no matter who she was."
Henry studied him for a beat, silent and thoughtful, then gave a subtle nod. As if confirming something he already suspected.
Without waiting, Alaric pulled out his phone. He dialed Ezra. "Send me the Astor file. Now." He paused. "The entire folder."
