Bruises formed where the handcuffs had cut into his wrists, but the pain was almost satisfying, something to ground him.

He launched himself back against the chair and grumbled, but that last sentence pierced his angry defence. He watched Elijah quietly. His breathing slowed.

"I don't want to give you trouble, Elijah. But I will protect me bairns if I must. Ye didn't hear Tobias. 'e said that beast was in 'is 'ome, seducin' Alice."