Axel's fists trembled at his sides as he took in the sight before him—the blood, the lifeless body, the tears in Lila's eyes as she held their son close. His vision blurred with fury and anguish, and when he finally spoke, his voice was like ice cracking under immense weight.
"Take him to his room."
Lila's eyes widened. "Axel—"
"Now, Lila!" His voice thundered through the room, raw and unyielding.
Alexander flinched, his small fingers tightening around Lila's dress as his sobs grew softer. He looked up at her, terrified, pleading, but Lila had no choice. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded slowly and guided their trembling son out of the room, casting one last glance at Axel before the door shut behind them.
The moment they were gone, Axel's knees buckled. He collapsed beside the lifeless child, his hands shaking as he reached out, pressing a palm against the boy's cooling cheek.
