Slowly, Moira turned around.
Ares was staring directly at her.
There was no trace of warmth in his eyes. His expression was so cold and severe that, for a moment, Moira felt as though the temperature around them had dropped.
His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.
That somehow made it worse.
"If you ever insult Lara again..." He paused, his gaze hardening. "I will personally have you escorted out of my mansion."
Moira's face drained of color.
She had expected anger. Perhaps even an argument.
But she had never expected this.
Never had she seen Ares defend anyone with such ruthless certainty.
Why?
Her heart pounded painfully against her ribs.
Why is he protecting Larissa Reyes like that?
"Ares..." she whispered.
Her voice trembled.
Tears quickly gathered in her eyes, making her look small and vulnerable as she stared at the man she had once believed would always stand on her side.
But Ares did not soften.
"Did I make myself clear?"
Moira swallowed hard.
"Yes."
