Julian participates in the ritual
She barely had a chance to finish her sentence before Amir's cold voice cut through the air with authority. "Do not make me repeat myself."
A heavy silence followed his words. Dakota's fist clenched at her side, the tension in her posture evident as she turned toward Julian. She took a step toward him, her expression cold and unwavering.
"Did I not say to not come outside?" she asked, her words filled with frustration and anger.
Julian stood tall and met her glare with a calmness that frustrated her further. "I couldn't resist the pull," he said. His voice was casual, but there was a flicker of mischief in his eyes, as though he enjoyed teasing her.
He glanced around, taking in the ritual and its intensity. "I didn't know this tiny village was hiding something so interesting inside it."
Dakota rolled her eyes, clearly not in the mood for his antics. "Shut up," she said.