In the Shadows

Chapter 16: Skye's Brother Strikes

The morning sun was casting a golden glow across the breakfast table, but no amount of warmth could dissipate the chill that had settled over the room. Skye sat rigidly, her posture impeccable, her every movement measured. She knew what was coming the moment she saw the sharp glint in Callan's eyes. He'd been silent until now, letting the tension build, letting everyone settle into a false sense of security.

It was a tactic he loved—waiting for the moment when everyone was most comfortable before he pounced, letting his words land like sharpened daggers. And sure enough, as soon as the small talk faded, he leaned back in his chair, a sneer curling his lips.

"It's amusing, isn't it?" he said, his tone casual but loaded with contempt. "Our dear Skye, so intent on proving herself worthy of leading this court, yet she can't seem to do it alone. I mean, here she is, parading around with a bodyguard from another court. How exactly does that reflect strength?"

Skye felt her pulse quicken, heat flooding her cheeks, but she forced herself to remain still, to keep her gaze fixed on the tapestry on the wall. She gripped the delicate porcelain cup in her hands, her fingers trembling with the urge to throw it across the table. Her heart pounded as she kept herself in check, swallowing down the anger that threatened to rise.

He continued, each word a calculated blow. "Tell me, Skye," he taunted, leaning forward, "is he here to bolster your confidence? Or maybe he's here to cover for your weaknesses?"

Skye's stomach twisted. This was Callan's way, his weapon of choice. He knew exactly where to strike, where it hurt the most. His words cut deeper than any blade, reminding her of the doubts that had gnawed at her since her return. She hated that part of her feared he might be right.

Azriel sat beside her, silent and watchful, but she could feel the intensity of his presence. It was a steady comfort, an anchor in the storm. She knew he could see through her, see how much this confrontation was costing her, but she couldn't let Callan have the satisfaction of knowing that.

Their father's voice broke through the tension, a sharp reprimand, but it only seemed to fuel Callan's contempt. He leaned back, crossing his arms, his gaze never wavering from Skye's. There was something feral in his expression, something unrestrained that made her blood run cold.

Her father, a stern look on his face, cut in with a low growl. "That's enough, Callan. Show some respect."

Callan rolled his eyes, but his smirk remained, eyes flicking between Skye and Azriel with obvious disdain. "I'm merely pointing out the truth, Father. If she's supposed to lead, why does she need this... shadow?"

Azriel's gaze hardened, but he remained silent, watching Callan with a calm, unreadable expression. Skye, however, was no longer willing to endure the scrutiny. She stood up, her movements graceful and controlled, though Azriel could see the flicker of emotion in her eyes.

Skye couldn't take it any longer. She rose from the table, the chair scraping against the floor, and with as much composure as she could muster, she turned and walked away. She felt Callan's gaze on her back, his disdain following her like a shadow.

Azriel's gaze flickered between Skye and Callan, his jaw clenching as he watched her leave. When he turned back to Callan, his eyes were cold and unyielding.

"You'd do well to choose your words more carefully," Azriel said, his voice low and laced with warning.

Callan smirked, rolling his eyes. "And why's that? You think you can intimidate me, shadow?"

Azriel leaned in, a dangerous edge to his posture. "Because only cowards use words to wound their family. The only thing weaker than a coward is a bully who hides behind his own insecurities."