Chapter 36

Julian and Evelyn sensed something was off the moment tension filled the air. Before Evelyn could even turn around, Julian had already yanked her into his arms, shielding her instinctively. It was fast—pure reflex. But because he chose to guard her, Nathaniel managed to smash a bottle right into his left shoulder. At the same second, Julian's face darkened. He swung his leg hard and landed a solid kick to Nathaniel's stomach. A loud "bang" followed. Nathaniel's large frame was sent flying, slamming into the glass table behind him. The table shattered with a deafening crash, and he collapsed amidst the wreckage. Jagged shards dug deep into his skin, triggering agonized shrieks that echoed through the room. The faint smell of blood drifted into the air. And Nathaniel's screaming? Let's just say he wasn't doing a great job masking the pain. Held tightly by Julian, Evelyn couldn't even process what just happened. Her mind went blank. She'd felt it clearly—his body all tense—and then came t