The temperature in the room dropped instantly as Vladimir's head snapped toward her.
"Oh, don't give me that face, you angry—"
Lilith's words were cut short as Vladimir blurred forward in a sudden burst of speed.
She muttered a spell under her breath, and a red sphere of magic flared around her like a shield. Vladimir's hand slammed against it, unable to break through—at least for a moment.
His eyes darkened, his jaw clenched. Lilith let out a mocking laugh, but it quickly died when cracks spread through her barrier.
Her eyes widened. Impossible—!
With a snarl, Vladimir forced his way through the magic and seized her by the throat. Lilith gasped, clawing at his wrist as his fingers dug into her skin.
"Watch your words, witch," Vladimir hissed, his voice like ice.
The door burst open. Kael stepped inside, surprise flickering across his face at the sight before him.
Lilith vanished from Vladimir's grasp and reappeared beside the wall, coughing and clutching her neck.
