Zina's POV
The house was chaos, like a scene ripped out of a nightmare. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it was trying to break free from my chest. Xaden stood just a few feet away, gripping Asher like he was some kind of shield. The knife in his hand gleamed under the dim light, the sharp edge pressed dangerously close to Asher's throat.
My hands ached from the ropes binding me to the chair, but I barely noticed. All I could focus on was Asher, his small body trembling, his wide, tear-filled eyes locked on mine. I needed to get him out of this. Somehow.
"Let him go, Xaden," Jared said from across the room. His voice was calm, steady, like he was trying to soothe a wild animal. But I could see the fire in his eyes, the way his fists clenched at his sides. He was barely holding himself back. "This isn't going to end well for you if you hurt him."
