Julies tilted his head, watching her with eyes that seemed to pierce through every defense she built. "Strange, then. You push Alice away to run straight into my arms."
The words dripped with mockery, but there was something heavier beneath them—something Amelia hated herself for noticing.
Amelia wanted nothing more than to freeze this bastard demon with her magic, to end that sly smile once and for all. But she couldn't. Not after the deal they had made. Not after knowing, deep down, that he was stronger than her.
"Don't play with me," she hissed, trying to keep her voice steady. Her eyes flicked to the side, finally noticing the man slumped beside him. "And who's this drunken bastard next to you?"
Julies followed her gaze and gave a lazy shrug. "Oh, him? Just an acquaintance. An uncle who insists on giving me a hard time. Nothing important."
The man was clearly drunk beyond reason, mumbling incoherently while swaying in his seat.
