"Neither of us are leaving," he snapped, his cool exterior slipping for just a moment. He moved forward quickly, gripping one of Daniel's arms to keep him steady. "This is what she wants. She wants you alone, defenseless... and defeated. You cannot give her that satisfaction."
Vlad sighed heavily, his sharp tone vanishing. "She has made a serious error in going after Boyd, Daniel - now there is a witness, as well as a boy who saw her fall. My word may not be as trustworthy in the opinion of some, but Boyd and the boy and even you will be believed." He gestured towards Boyd with his free hand. "Look at her bruises. They are undeniable proof of what Vaughn has done."