Ningyan raised a brow, lips parting in confusion rather than surprise. "So?"
Mingze stared at him. "So? That's your question?"
Ningyan scoffed, disbelief flickering across his face. "Wasn't I alone even when Father was alive?" His voice stayed calm, too calm. "He was alive when you defiled me. Alive when you lot whipped and tortured me. He was always alive and I was always alone. Whether he is dead or breathing changes nothing."
The moment the words left his mouth, Mingze's hand snapped around his throat.
"You insect," he snarled, tightening his grip. "You have no rights and no protection now that he's dead. Mother has taken over all affairs, and the council follows her every word until I finish my studies at the Celestial Beast Academy." His eyes gleamed with malice. "Which means I can kill you or defile you, whenever I please."
Ningyan gritted his teeth as air was crushed from his lungs. Still, he smiled.
