Chapter 25 · Blood on the Gold

"Got you," Julian whispered. The words were a cold blade against my ear.

His hand clamped around my wrist like a vice, pinning me hard against the velvet curtain. The ballroom was a void—absolute, suffocating darkness. My 'Void Blackout' skill had worked too well. I couldn't see a damn thing, but I could feel Julian’s chest pressing into my shoulder. He smelled of mint and pure arrogance.

"Let go," I snapped, twisting my arm. I tried to trigger the system's combat reflex, but the interface flickered red.

*Error: Interference detected.*

"And let the little villainess run away? Not a chance." Julian chuckled. He didn't just hold me; he owned the air I was breathing. "Who taught you this trick, Alice? This isn't some spoiled brat's tantrum. This is... professional."

I stopped struggling. I leaned back, my voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "Maybe I just got tired of the lights. Or maybe I just wanted to see you panic in the dark."

"I don't panic," he murmured. His grip tightened, dragging me flush against him. I could feel the heat radiating off his skin. "But you're shaking. Is it fear?