Kaelen's POV
Lyra's movement caught me off guard, her decision happening faster than my brain could register the threat unfolding before us.
In one heartbeat, she stood at my side where I could sense her warmth without needing to glance her way. In the next, she had thrown herself forward, positioning her body as a shield between Ellington's weapon and me.
She stood there like she could somehow deflect bullets through sheer determination, her spine straight and unwavering.
My reflexes kicked in without conscious thought. I grabbed her arm and hauled her backward with such force that she lost her footing, stumbling until she had to grip the nearby chair to prevent herself from hitting the ground.
"What the hell are you thinking?" The question burst out harsher than I meant it to, carrying an edge I made no effort to temper.
I didn't pause for her response. Instead, I shoved her behind me and reclaimed my position, putting myself back where the danger belonged with me, not her.
