Cassian's face throbs where he holds his cheekbone. He'd taken Rhysand's yelling, hadn't accepted his accusations as truth, but had allowed his venting. He'd even taken the first hit, then the second. But not anymore.

He understood Rhysand's rage, to a point. But he wouldn't sit back, wouldn't take the beating like a coward, like a male who was in the wrong. Because he wasn't—he isn't. He has no poor intentions, nothing malicious in his heart, not for you.

He should've stayed away, you are forbidden, his best friend's younger sister. But he couldn't stay away anymore, not when he was sure this was something more than lust and attraction. * Something far greater than a fling, or short-lived romance. By the day, the tugging on his heart grows stronger, so much so he can no longer resist.*

Cassian meets Rhysand's next hit, twisting his body as he catches Rhysand's fist and flipping the force of the punch onto Rhysand.

"I'm not using her," he growls, throwing his own punch at Rhysand.

"I won't toss her aside. I care for her. I can't... I won't lock away my feelings anymore," he grunts as Rhysand gains leverage and hurls him to the floor, knocking the breath from his lungs.

Rhysand's violet eyes burn, his fist is raised ready to unleash on Cassian, when a soft voice pulls them both from the rage, stilling their fight.

Cassian breathes your name, locking his eyes with yours as you take in the raw, visceral scene before you.