Page 305 of Black Reign

Naturally that is what my brain notices.

My father's voice cuts through the room.

“Ms. Beaumont.”

Sabine turns toward the screen.

The softness disappears from her face.

Vesper slides into place so quickly I nearly feel it happen.

“Mr. Blackwell.”

“I think we need to speak.”

“No,” I say.

Both of them look at me.

Sabine's brows rise.

My father’s jaw tightens.

I step between her and the screen without thinking.

Her gaze drops briefly to my back.

Then up to me.

That hurts somewhere unexpected.

“No one speaks to her without me present.”

Sabine folds her arms.

“I am capable of speaking.”

“I know.”

“I've been doing it for years.”

“I remember.”

My father's patience finally snaps.

“This is exactly what I'm talking about.”

Sabine looks past me.

“What exactly are you talking about?”

“Sabine.”

She ignores me.

Naturally.

My father leans toward the screen.