Fury sparked in Ace's eyes as he wiped the blood from his lip.
His muscles coiled, ready to retaliate—
But before he could lunge towards Zane, Zavier stepped between them, catching Ace's wrist mid-air.
"Stop this!" He scolded, his voice sharp enough to cut through the tension.
Ace's chest heaved, his nostrils flaring, but he didn't move.
Zane wasn't backing down either, his fists still clenched.
Zara crouched lower on the bench, her arms wrapping around herself as a deep embarrassment settled over her.
"Brother," Zane muttered in a whisper, his voice tight with frustration. "You know he hates us. What if he hurt Zara before we came?"
"That wouldn't happen," Zavier said, squeezing his shoulder. "Calm down."
Ace let out a sharp exhale before taking a step back.
He relaxed his muscles, slowly stretching his knuckles, but the tension in his jaw remained.
Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Zane scoffed. "Coward."
