Julian gave a slow nod. “Yeah. The bigger the crowd, the less likely anyone helps. People act when they’re the only witness.”
I leaned forward. “That’s what my life feels like. I’m surrounded by bystanders. People hovering because of who Iam. But when it matters? I wouldn’t trust them to lift a finger. They’re sheep. Cattle. Whatever.”
Julian chuckled, thumb grazing his chin. “The whole world’s one giant fucking bystander effect.”
“I see it every day. What happened to me made me hyperaware of other people’s pain. It kills me to watch the helpless get ignored, like they’re invisible. The world’s too self-absorbed to give a shit. Eighty percent of the people I meet?—”
“Are full of bullshit,” Julian cut in. “Not worth your breath.”
“Exactly. I stopped living like a victim after years of wrestling with it. The past isn’t something I can rewrite. What I can do is stand by other victims. Give them a sliver of hope. That’s how I move forward.”
Julian’s mouth twitched into something almost like a smile. “You’re a good man, Alistair. I saw it back in New York.”
“Really? Because I thought you were about to beat the crap out of me.”
He gave a low chuckle. “Yeah, I considered it. Vera was vulnerable then.”
I leaned back, studying him. “Julian, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“If your father were still alive, do you think he’d mind if I ask Vera to marry me?”
Julian scratched at his ear, a grin breaking across his face. “If Dad were here, he’d tell you to stop asking me and ask her.”
“Right.” I nodded, then quoted softly, “Proverbs seventeen. A brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Julian blinked. “Come again?”
I let a small smile curve my mouth. “We’re brothers in arms. Solidarity in peace and war. Willpower, loyalty, and unity are our weapons.”
His eyes narrowed. “This about Saira?”
“I plan to destroy her.”
I had no empathy for the wicked. I’d bleed kingdoms dry for the ones I loved.
It was time for war.
NO MERCY
Vera
“So, you’ve got a plan?” Saph asked, eyes narrowing.
“Yep.” I grinned, flashing my teeth.
“Yep.” I let a grin flash across my face.
“You’re seriously badass. But will Saira actually fall for it?”
I raised a brow. “All you need to do is call her. Today. Tell her you want to talk about Julian. Play the part. You know, act like you need her. She’s a narcissist, like Alistair says. She’ll eat it up.”
“And when do I meet her?”
“Next week. At the domestic airport’s only café .”
She wrinkled her nose. “That place is a dump.”
