“Grandma?” The name slipped out before I could stop it—a reflex, disbelieving.
Rafayel reacted instantly, his arms tightening around me before lowering me to the floor with controlled urgency.
“Rafayel? Are you hurt?” Grandfather stepped forward, his practised hands already scanning Rafayel’s frame for injuries.
“I’m fine.” Rafayel’s reply was clipped, his posture...