Andrew raised his knee, blocking her incoming strike with ease. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he threw a punch without hesitation. The air itself trembled, bursting with a sound like a roar.

Tiana's face twisted in sheer terror. It felt like an ancient beast—a primal force—was crashing down on her, unstoppable and overwhelming.

It was like a helpless insect facing a natural disaster. With a sickening crack, blood filled her mouth and splattered across her chest and blouse. The dagger in her hand snapped, leaving only the hilt as she was thrown violently backward, crashing onto the stone path of the garden.

Andrew strode over with a cold, unreadable expression, towering over her. "Talk. Give me one good reason not to kill you right now."

Tiana tossed aside the broken hilt and wiped the blood from her lips. To his surprise, she actually laughed.

"Impressive. Seriously, that was incredible. Go ahead. If you want to kill me, then do it. But before you strike, let me explai