Olivia's breath hitched at the contact, and it was only fueled by his words that followed.
"Kraven… what are you saying?" she whispered, though she did not make any effort to pull away.
Julian's smile deepened. He stepped even closer to her until his chest nearly brushed her back.
"That's the truth, Mother. That's how I have always felt." He paused for a moment, then added with a low voice. "How does it feel? The new power inside you."
Olivia took a deep breath as if calming herself. She knew he was provoking her, but her traitorous body was easily falling into his trap.
"Strange… and wonderful," she finally whispered. "It feels like my whole body is humming. Like I could reach out and touch the mana in the air without effort. But it also feels… sensitive. Everything feels more intense since this morning." Her voice dropped to a near whisper. "Even the silk against my skin feels different tonight."
