Magnus's hand, mid-air and inching towards Everly, froze. Her internal declaration of "Gossip!" reverberated through his mind, a blaring siren warning him that any physical contact with this girl would lead to immediate, profound regret. His instincts screamed for retreat.
But before he could execute his strategic withdrawal, Alan's hand shot out, clamping around his wrist. Alan's brow was furrowed, a rare expression of concern marring his usually placid features.
"Brother, what exactly do you intend to do to Everly?" Alan's voice was low, laced with an uncharacteristic edge.
Magnus raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. The vice-like grip on his wrist spoke volumes. It seemed Alan, the family's resident agreeable enigma, had developed an unexpected fondness for their newly discovered sister. This was truly a plot twist Magnus hadn't anticipated from the brother who usually just… went with the flow.
