[Ray's POV]
I felt my ribs crack from the impact.
The pain bloomed sharp and hot across my side, a sudden fire that stole the air from my lungs. I had braced myself just in time—my abdominal muscles tight, my core locked—and that single second of preparation was the only thing that saved me. If I hadn't been ready, they would have broken completely.
I straightened slowly, my hand still on Ace's tunic, keeping him rooted in place. His muscles were trembling beneath my palm—coiled, ready to strike, every fiber of his being screaming to move, to fight, to protect. I pressed down harder, a silent command he could feel through the fabric.
Don't.
My breathing was labored. Each inhale sent a fresh pulse of pain through my chest, like broken glass shifting behind my ribs. But I kept my eyes locked on our father's face. I would not look away. I would not show weakness.
"Are you finished?" My voice came out steady. Calm. As if I hadn't just been struck by the Alpha King.
