POV: Cassian
Time slowed to a crawl. I saw the syringe in Jason's hand, saw the needle aimed at my neck, saw the murderous triumph in my brother's eyes. My body moved on pure instinct.
I twisted, releasing Zara carefully onto the bed behind me. My hand shot out and caught Jason's wrist just as the needle touched my skin. I felt the sharp prick, felt one drop of the sedative enter my bloodstream before I wrenched his arm away.
Jason's face was inches from mine, contorted with rage and desperation.
"You took everything from me!" he screamed, spittle flying. "Everything!"
I squeezed his wrist until I felt bones grinding together. He cried out in pain, but his grip on the syringe didn't loosen.
We stood frozen like that, the needle between us. I was stronger. I could break his wrist, take the syringe, plunge it into his neck and watch him die. It would be so easy.
So satisfying.
"Cassian," Zara's voice, weak and frightened behind me. "Please. Let's just go."
