Jaxx’s Point Of View

“Oh… I came to check if you’re still breathing, Matilda.”

Her lips parted, her breath hitched, shock painted her expression. She hadn’t expected that. She stiffened in her seat, as though the words themselves burned her skin.

And that’s when the old man snapped.

“Watch your mouth, boy,” his voice thundered across the room, rich with authority, the kind that demanded obedience. His hand gripped the arm of his leather chair, knuckles white. “You don’t ...