"Oh, I don't think so," he murmured, stopping just behind her chair. "We're just getting started."
Her heart pounded painfully, every nerve screaming at his closeness. She kept her eyes fixed on Augustus, his frail hand limp in hers. She wouldn't give Julian the satisfaction of turning—of facing that smug, predatory grin she knew was waiting.
"Get out," she hissed, her tone low and venomous. "Now."
Julian didn't reply right away. Instead, she felt the air shift, a faint flow of energy prickling her skin. She froze. She knew that sensation—had felt it before when he worked his power on Augustus.
"What are you—" she started, whipping her head around, but it was too late.
Julian's hand hovered over Augustus's chest, and a faint thread of golden energy flowed from them. The energy flickered briefly, then dimmed before sinking into Augustus's body.
It was not to heal this time, but to suppress. His breathing slowed further. His chest barely rose now, his head falling to one side.
