The Guardian's Mate
The loud, metallic *CLANG* echoed through the silent hallway like a gunshot.
I took a step forward, closing the distance between myself and Damian, refusing to back down from his oppressive aura.
"Shut your mouth, Damian," I said, my voice ringing out crystal clear, echoing off the high ceilings of the corridor.
The entire hallway held its collective breath. You could have heard a pin drop. Nobody—absolutely nobody—spoke to Damian that way.
Damian froze, his back turning slowly as he looked down at me, his eyebrows arching in genuine, utter shock. He hadn't expected this. He expected a frightened little human girl to cower and cry.