The young man immediately took a step backward.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
His hands rose instinctively in surrender, his eyes widening as he looked between Liam and Irina.
"I have nothing to do with the death of people in this town."
His voice was hurried.
"I swear it."
Irina didn't lower her hand.
The ice around her fingers continued forming, slowly spreading along her knuckles as her cold gaze remained fixed on him. She took another step forward.
The young man swallowed nervously.
"I swear, miss, I have nothing to do with the death of the people here. I've defended this town with my life ever since I put on this cloak."
Irina's expression didn't change.
"Defended it?"
Her voice carried disbelief.
The young man nodded rapidly.
"Yes."
Liam remained behind her.
He said nothing.
His eyes were fixed on the stranger.
Every movement.
Every hesitation.
Every change in expression.
