The Hunter Falls into Her Own Trap (Part 1)
Julian D'Aurelius's body suddenly stiffened.
The relaxed smile that had lingered on his face vanished in an instant.
His golden eyes widened ever so slightly, and his expression changed dramatically, as though an invisible force had swept away every ounce of strength from his body.
He staggered backward.
One step.
Then another.
His movements became increasingly unstable, as if his legs no longer belonged to him.
Finally—
Thud!
His body crashed heavily onto the cold ground beside the quiet reservoir.
Dust drifted into the air.
The evening breeze swept across the lakeside, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and wild grass.
Julian lay motionless for a brief moment before his body twitched ever so slightly, perfectly resembling the symptoms of someone whose nervous system had been overwhelmed by a deadly poison.
The Queen watched the scene with narrowed eyes.
