The emperor's voice cracked like thunder.
"You disgrace me, you mother-killing son!"
Kyle flinched as the slap echoed.Liera couldn't take it anymore. She burst into the room.
"Enough!"She stood between father and son, eyes blazing.
"You don't see the boy in front of you. Only the ghost of the woman you lost. But he's not your curse—he's your son."
Kyle stared at her, stunned. No one had ever defended him. No one... until her.She held out her hand.
"Come with me." And he did.