Cassius stood there for a few long seconds, crimson eyes gleaming in the light, while Joy and Carmela remained frozen, both kneeling on the ground.
The suffocating aura around them was like an invisible mountain pressing against their chests—
—until, suddenly, it vanished.
The air felt lighter. The walls no longer hummed.
They both gasped at once, the sound echoing through the silence.
Sweat dripped down their temples, their breaths ragged, their hearts pounding in uneven rhythm.
Finally—finally—they could breathe again.
Cassius also let them go. His hands relaxed, his shoulders lowering slightly as the crimson glow faded completely from his eyes.
It was as if the terrifying executioner from a moment ago had never existed.
He drew in a slow breath and let it out.
"Good grief…" He murmured, rubbing the back of his neck like someone who had just finished heavy labor.
Then, looking at both women, his expression softened into one of genuine apology.
