Franklin stared at George for a long moment, his chest tightening with a storm of emotions he couldn’t name or explain to himself, everything felt blurred and meaningless to him compared to the sight of Thalia’s unconscious body in his arms.

Deep down, he knew he had no right to fight this man over her. He’d lost that right a long time ago, and right now, her life was in danger.

“Give her back!” George’s voice was sharp, filled with desperation more than anger.

...