Claire's POV

The almost malicious threat left poor Kitty frozen in place. She stared at Chris with sheer terror, forgetting to evade, even forgetting to cry, until a thunderous shout made everyone tremble.

"Stay away from my daughter!"

Without even looking back, a black figure swiftly passed by me, heading straight for Kitty. Evans looked so urgent that he even let go of his wolf-headed cane that was always by his side. But whether intentionally or accidentally, the cane, once thrown away, hit Chris's arm squarely.

The little boy immediately burst into tears, eliciting screams from Maria.

"What are you doing, Garfield?"

"I'm protecting my daughter."

Garfield didn't give Maria's...