Violet's first reaction was to scramble off the floor, hastily dusting herself off as the looming figure of Lord Cain moved toward her. Her heart pounded, and a flicker of panic crossed her face as she noticed the sudden chill in the air, the oppressive cold intensifying with each step he took. By the time he stood directly in front of her, it felt like the room itself had frozen solid.
She opened her mouth, bowing her head and ready to unleash a torrent of apologies for not returning to his office when she should have. But before she could utter a word, Cain extended his hand and, with startling precision, caught the neck of the young man who had shoved her moments earlier.
It all happened so fast that Violet barely registered the scene. One moment, the boy was standing smugly; the next, he was dangling in the air, his legs kicking helplessly as Cain's fingers tightened around his throat.
