"Percival, calm down," Lukas said, keeping his voice even as he raised an open hand. "Take a deep breath. Don't do anything you'll come to regret."
Percival didn't lift his head. His hair hung in strands over his face, hiding his eyes from view.
"You forced my hand," he hissed, his voice cold. The killing intent around him slowly grew without any sign of stopping. "You made this choice, not me. You!"
He still didn't move from where he was. His feet stayed planted on the ground, and his hands hung loose at his sides.
Lukas glanced over his shoulder at Akira.
Akira met his gaze. Her hands held her flail ready, and she gave him a firm, single nod.
Beside her, Melody tightened her grip on her mace, and Karrakas kept his arrow pulled tight to his cheek. They were in position and ready to move. They had his back.
Lukas turned back to the blond man and took a step forward.
