Julia jolted, screeching as her arm shattered at the elbow. She was only restrained by her other arm now, and the force of Severus’s kick flung her back. She was nothing but a shaking heap on the floor of the throne room.

Sidia covered her mouth in shock and sank to her knees. Tears flowed freely down her horrified face, and she choked back her sobs.

“You didn’t have to do that!” Sidia wailed.

Severus ignored her. Instead, he approached his ...