Maria.
"What's wrong with you, Maria?" Galen asked sharply after finally recovering from the shock of the slap.
Her hand remained pressed against her cheek, her eyes burning furiously as she stared at me in disbelief.
"Many things, Galen!" I blurted out immediately before I could stop myself.
The words came out filled with anger and frustration.
The moment my words settled in the air, Galen's expression darkened instantly.
Without warning, she raised her hand, clearly intending to return the slap.
But unfortunately for her, her hand never reached my face.
The second her palm moved toward me, my reflexes reacted faster. I grabbed her wrist firmly midair and twisted it harshly.
"Ouchhh!" Galen winced painfully, her face twisting as she tried pulling away from my grip.
Her eyes shot toward me immediately, bloodshot with rage and humiliation.
For a moment, the both of us remained locked in place.
Neither willing to back down.
