Hallie lunged forward, closing the distance between them, the dagger clutched tight in her trembling hand. She thrust it toward him, but before she could fully register what was happening, Julian moved.
His hand shot out, seizing her wrist with an iron grip, and in one smooth motion, he shoved her back, slamming her against the stone wall. His other hand tightened around her throat, fingers digging in just enough to make her gasp.
Hallie struggled, desperately clawing at his arm, but Julian was a wall— unyielding. Her heart pounded in her chest, fear mixing with fury, but Julian only smiled, the corner of his lips curling into a wicked, almost cruel smirk.
Seeing the fear in her wide, furious stare, his voice dropped to a whisper, low and taunting. "Is that fear in your eyes, Aunt Hallie?" His breath brushed her face, his grip tightening slightly on her neck, just enough to make her gasp for air.
