(Dao of Chaos) Julien POV-Wish you were dead (Final)

Julien POV

After Threyja's POV end

Life, in all its enigmatic splendor, often carried a peculiar mystique for Julien. He had never been the central character on the Azure mountain, not a protagonist in the grand tale of existence, but never a shadow lurking unnoticed either. His father, a zealous leader of the Azure Feather Sect, held ambitions that danced on a different wavelength from Julien's own.

In the quiet recesses of his heart, Julien had never anticipated finding a friend, let alone a brother. Yet, destiny had other plans, introducing him to the remarkable Thorjen. Together, they forged a bond that was meant to transcend the towering peaks of their secluded mountain home. Fate, it seemed, had one more trick up its sleeve, revealing Julien's extraordinary potential as the ancestors showered him with blessings of triumph and glory.

But then, life cast its shadow over Julien once more, revealing the cruel truth that dreams could be as ephemeral as the morning mist. The **** of his only brother shattered not just his world, but also the flicker of hope that had ignited within him. He had yearned for the darkness never to turn this bleak, but reality had other ideas.

Amid his grief, Julien found an unexpected connection with Eleanor, the first woman he had ever loved. It was a strange love, initially akin to a maternal bond, yet grief had a way of blurring lines and making the unexpected happen. Despite his inexperience, Julien understood that she needed someone to lean on, to grasp a semblance of the love she had lost with the passing of her son. In this, he had seen a chance at mending his own fractured heart.

However, the universe, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor. Just as Julien dared to hope for a brighter future, the woman he loved decided to sever their connection. And now, in the heart-wrenching present...

Julien stared in disbelief as someone who he might've regarded as his other, close friend appeared before him. He watched the two as they walked hand in hand, his world unraveling before his eyes. He had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn't witnessing some bizarre mirage. As they drew closer, Threyja's radiant smile held him in a state of stupefaction.

"Th-theyja?" His voice quivered, shattering the tense silence and causing Threyja to let out a startled, almost cute yelp. The shock on her face was unmistakable as she hastily released Marco's hand.

"J-j-julien…wh-what-err…what are you doing here?"

"I was just…why are you with him? And what's happened to your hair?"

Threyja appeared nervous, fidgeting with the ends of her now lavishly golden locks. "I…I just wanted a change…that's all."

Marco, on the other hand, sported a mocking smile, clearly relishing the spectacle unfolding before him.

Julien's eyes darted back and forth between Threyja and Marco, his heart pounding like the ominous rumble of distant thunder before a storm. As the pieces of the painful puzzle fell into place, realization washed over him like a sudden downpour on a scorching summer day.

"N-no way…you can't mean…you and him? Threyja, tell me I'm wrong?"

Threyja's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and guilt as she avoided Julien's imploring gaze. Instead of the denial Julien had desperately hoped for, he was met with the smug voice of Marco, dripping with arrogance.

"Well-well-well, if it isn't our dear prodigy. Hahaha, oh wait, that would be me! Pfft, you should be thankful that at least one of us lived up to expectations," Marco sneered.

"Last I heard, you were wagging your tail like a lost pup, following Lady Eleanor around. Hahaha, how pitiful."

Julien's brow furrowed in anger. "Who's talking to you? Stay out of this. Threyja, don't trust him! Have you forgotten what he was like? Don't let his Gold Rank fool you. He's still the worst kind of scum!"

"Oh, that one hurt, you **** fatty. You must've forgotten one of the perks of becoming a Gold Ranked Knight is the power I have to deal with unlawful fellows." Marco wore a cruel smile that sent a shiver crawling down Julien's spine.

He knew all too well that their powers were like night and day apart. And that didn't even take into consideration the fact that Julien had been nursing a heart demon ever since Eleanor decided to end their relationship. He wasn't confident at all in handling Marco. Fortunately, Threyja stepped forward to defuse the escalating tension.

"Marco, that's enough, and Julien, I'm…I'm sorry, but I'm a big girl. I can handle my own life. You don't need to worry about me."

Julien's face betrayed his shock as he stuttered, "What the hell is she even saying?"

"Theyja…wh…what about Thorjen? If he was still here, what do you think he would-"

"Just stop! D-don't say his name…sigh, I'll talk to Thorjen about my feelings in my own time. He's been away for so long. What was I supposed to do? And Marco…he isn't what you think."

"Hahaha, you should listen to her, fatso. It's better to join my side now rather than stand against me. It could be fatal for someone like you in the coming future."

"Shut up! B-but wait…What do you mean you'll…te…l…him?" A blank, vacant stare covered Julien's face as his mind struggled to comprehend what he was hearing. Then, a memory flashed before him—the mysterious letter and the unsettling change in Lady Eleanor.

"So that letter Lady Eleanor received…it…it was all true? He's alive?" Julien's words trembled with disbelief. At that moment, he felt a peculiar detachment from his body, as if he were an ethereal observer gazing down upon his soulless form.

Threyja couldn't maintain eye contact with him, the weight of guilt and sadness etched across her face. "Y-yes…he's alive. C-can you believe it? He survived all this time, Julien. If only…if only he had returned sooner." Tears glistened in Threyja's eyes, and she struggled to hold back her emotions. Julien snapped out of his sunken mood, his lips parting, but no words emerged from his stunned mouth.

"You see what you've caused now, fatty. You made my woman cry. Now then, before I lose my patience, why don't you get lost and crawl back underneath Lady Eleanor's tit? Or wait? Hahaha, don't tell me she's discarded you now that her cripple of a son is back? Hahahaha, of course she did."

"M-Marco, that's enough," Threyja sniffled, using her sleeves to wipe away her tears.

"Julien…this is my life and my choices, s-so don't interfere…please. I have to go now, and please, don't tell Thorjen anything. Let me handle things."

With those heart-wrenching words, Julien could only stand in awe as Threyja delicately walked past him. Marco casually trailed behind, still wearing that insufferable mocking smile. As he passed Julien, he made sure his whispers were loud enough for the stunned elf to hear.

"Don't feel so bad, we both knew it was only a matter of time before I made her mine. Now run, and go find your cripple of a master, you pitiful lapdog. Hahahaha."

*****

The atmosphere in the tavern was electric, bustling with the raucous chatter of rough-and-tumble patrons, their laughter and songs mingling in a symphony of revelry. The air hung heavy with the scent of aged, well-worn wine, and the floors, like the bar's surfaces, were stickier than a spider's web. This tavern was renowned as one of the most popular establishments in the entire citadel, welcoming patrons from all walks of life, regardless of race or background. Rich and poor, all gathered here in pursuit of one thing: pleasure and relaxation.

The tavern's barkeep shuffled along the lengthy counter, deftly placing what seemed like the sixth common ale in front of a slightly chubby Elf whose demeanor and appearance reeked of sorrow.

"Here's number 6…you sure you're okay there, lad?" the bartender inquired, his voice laced with concern.

Julien, who was thoroughly **** by this point, could only muster slurred words that tumbled from his lips in hiccup-laden waves. His reddish-pink cheeks betrayed his intoxicated state.

"J-just shush…p-pour me my dwink…idiot."

To the bartender's ears, Julien's stuttering insults only elicited a weary sigh. He complied with the request, placing the mug brimming with ale beside the forlorn Elf. Julien weakly gripped the warm handle and, with an ugly grin plastered on his face, attempted to drink. Most of the liquid ended up on his clothes, but Julien cared little at this point. His heart was awash in a cold, bitter regret that twisted the knife in his gaping emotional wounds.

Ever since he found himself trapped in a metaphorical bottleneck, Julien had sought solace at the bottom of countless bottles, often indulging in the sweet embrace of wine. Unfortunately, such luxuries had become too expensive for his current plight, so he settled for the humble common ale.

Julien continued to drown his sorrows, torn between a resurgence of feelings he thought he had lost—the yearning to see his brother he believed was dead, the memories of their time on the Azure Mountain—and a maelstrom of regret and jealousy.

"Is it because he's alive? Is that why she left me?" he bitterly pondered, his thoughts spiraling in a chaotic dance. The tormenting image of Threyja with Marco haunted him relentlessly. Julien recklessly drained another mug, slamming it down with urgency as his world spun before him. The sensation of falling gripped him, and the next thing he knew, darkness enveloped him.

After an indeterminate period of time, Julien began to hear voices again, like distant echoes in the thick fog of his unconsciousness. The distorted sounds of laughter pierced through the haze, and a familiar voice called out to him from the abyss.

"You still continue to disappoint me…my foolish and only son," a gruff voice declared.

Julien's heavy eyelids fluttered open, half-convinced he was still in a drunken stupor. As the fog slowly lifted, a dark-haired Elf with a neatly groomed beard sat on a stool beside him. A wave of fear washed over Julien, jolting him out of his intoxicated haze.

“Fa-father?”

Raziel regarded his son with a cold, expressionless glare. "Drowning your woes in wine? Foolish boy, do you care so little about the reputation you carry as my son? What about your cultivation? Ergh! If I had known you'd turn out this way, I'd never have agreed to—"

"Agreed to what? Placing your trust in me?" Julien interrupted, his words sharp and laced with defiance. "Or perhaps you would have preferred if I chose to live with Mother? You should've just given up on me like you did with her, then, aha, it would've spared us both this pointless conversation."

A flicker of deep shock flashed across Raziel's face as his half-closed eyelids widened. Julien himself was taken aback by his audacity, although he knew that most of his newfound confidence was thanks to the tonics coursing through his bloodstream at the moment.

'Sigh, now I've really done it,' Julien silently admonished himself, bracing for the expected fury from his father. But to his astonishment, there was no outburst. Instead, he saw a hint of restraint in Raziel's gaze. A deep sigh escaped Raziel's lips as he stared into the cup filled with cheap ale before him.

"The last time you had the guts to talk to me that way...wa...was when I brought your mother up. Heh!" Raziel chuckled dryly. "So then, who is she, boy...that has you sinking into a bottle?" Julien's eyes widened in disbelief.

'How does he know?' he wondered, unable to comprehend how his father had discovered his secret.

"Surprised?" Raziel sneered. "You think you're the first to experience heartbreak from a woman...especially one as incredibly beautiful as Lady Eleanor."

"H-h-how did you...who...who told you I—"

"Hahahaha, what? You think I haven't known about what you've been up to, you damn brat. Why else would you spend so much time following her? I guess you get that from me in that respect... sigh."

'Has someone been following me?' Julien pondered, suspicion gnawing at him. 'I wouldn't put it past him, but how could he have found out about me and El... unless...'

"You...you only guessed it? Until now, you weren't sure?"

"Correct," Raziel nonchalantly replied, taking a patient sip from the mug in front of him.

"Listen, brat," Raziel continued, "there are two things promised to a man: **** and a woman breaking your heart. I don't know what kind of charm you used to even get so close to her...and I won't ask you what happened. But Eleanor is not like most Elves; she is strong, very strong. And a man must be equally as strong if not more. Women like her desire to be tamed."

"But she's...you don't understand," Julien replied weakly.

"Ah, but I do," Raziel countered. "I have seen the sort of man who was able to win her over, a man with..." Julien watched as his father's eyes drifted away.

"A man whose strength rivals the Gods." Julien swallowed hard. 'Th-thorjen's father.'

"Sigh, you are my blood, damn it. I know things have always been... tricky. I sent you here to grow and discover who you are. But I never abandoned you. I need you to understand that."

Julien, still ****, felt an odd mix of indifference and suspicion. 'Why was he saying all of this now...why? Why now that I'm... drunk?' Another hiccup broke free from his stomach. Julien couldn't allow himself to be fooled by his father's words; he knew who Raziel truly was. He had seen his true face many years ago. What he had first thought was a man **** to protect his family had turned out to be a lie. His father only cared about himself.

'I won't be fooled.'

Julien's anger surged again, and when his mouth moved, he spoke the truths that had been festering in his heart. "Why...why did you try to kill Thorjen?"

A look of sheer horror overtook his father's face, his two eyes trembling like a child caught stealing.

"Where did you..."

"Ha! You think you know it all? I always knew it was you. Who else has such power to shadow our every movement? And if I could figure that out, I guarantee you Lady Eleanor... kn-knows."

Just the mere thought of her made Julien's heart ache, a deep pang that reverberated through his chest.

"Listen, brat, I did that for you... for all of us," Raziel attempted to justify himself.

"Liar!" Julien's voice rose, his anger and frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Y-you did it for yourself, l-like you always have done. Don't act like you killed him out of some noble cause. I'm not a fool anymore," Julien shot back, his words laced with newfound resolve.

Raziel's eyes bore into his son with intensity as he continued to defend his actions. "Listen to me closely and listen good, you think I'm some monster, yeah? Haha, you foolish boy, if you knew the true powers governing this damn war, you'd curl into a ball and wish you were never born. I did what I had to do. If I left him alive...Sigh, the entire sect might've fallen. Wake up and focus, you are my son! You are strong, and only the strong can live as they please. You think Eleanor gives a damn about a weakling like you when her son has returned? Grow up, boy! Grow up and seek the power the spirits bestowed upon you. If you will to have everything you desire... then crush anyone in your way and seize the glory. Be a fucking man for once in your life."

With an air of disdain, Raziel slammed a heavy pouch filled with gold coins onto the counter, the weight of his ambitions and expectations palpable in the room. He stood up, towering over Julien, his gaze a mix of frustration and slight disgust.

"Have your fill for the night, or maybe two. Who cares? But drown in your self-wallow for now. For when you arise... and trust me, my boy, you will rise... you must become someone worthy of succeeding the things I have built. You cannot afford to play games any longer, Julien. A war is coming."

Julien, still partially lost in his drunken stupor, could only offer a light, mocking retort. "And whose this war between then... us against Thorjen? Pfft," he jeered, dismissively.

"No, you fool," Raziel corrected him, his tone grave. "It'll be the entire world against... the newly crowned demon king."

****

Julien's heart sank as he watched his father disappear once again, leaving him with a sense of emptiness that was worse than before. How typical of his selfish father to erase any moments of warmth they shared in an instant. He grunted in frustration, burying his face in his folded arms. But then he heard the sound of a stool being moved and delicate footsteps approaching. A sweet scent filled his nostrils, causing him to reluctantly lift his head.

To his shock, he saw an incredibly beautiful woman with long purple hair standing before him. Her entire being exuded sexiness, from her curvaceous body to her slight raspy voice. Julien rubbed his eyes several times, not believing that such a gorgeous woman could be sitting next to him in this dingy bar.

"Is this seat taken, cutie?" she asked with a bright smile, looking pleased when he said it wasn't.

As he looked at her, his thoughts began to swirl and he felt a flutter in his chest. But he tried to keep his composure and not get too excited.

"So, are you just going to stare or buy this girl a drink?" she teased.

Julien nervously gulped and awkwardly called for the waiter, who had seemed unimpressed by the drunken commotion earlier but now eagerly came over when he saw the purse of coins on the table.

"Gladly," Julien said as they clinked their cups together and downed their ale. He was surprised to see her drinking almost twice as fast as he did, matching his pace with ease.

But even as they drank and laughed together, Julien couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right about this enchanting woman. And yet, he couldn't resist her charm and found himself drawn into her intoxicating presence more and more with each passing moment.

"I needed that," Geary growled, slamming down her empty cup and gesturing for the bartender to pour more ale. "It's no fun drowning your sorrows alone."

Julien shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to straighten out his wrinkled clothes as he nervously fidgeted with his hands. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.

"Did...did my father send you?" he demanded, scowling deeply.

Geary's face contorted in confusion. "Your father? Who would that be, cutie? What's your name?"

"J-Julien..." he stammered.

"Well then, it's a pleasure to meet you Julien. They call me Geary," she replied with a seductive smile.

As they continued to drink and laugh together, Julien couldn't believe how this evening had turned from one of self-pity to one of enjoyment. The drinks kept flowing and golden coins spilled from his pouch as Geary's enchanting presence seemed to lift his spirits.

Under the bright tavern lights, the pair became the center of attention - an Elf and a striking woman with purple hair. People couldn't help but be drawn to them - whether it was Julien's seemingly endless supply of gold or Geary's irresistible charm and wit. But things took a dangerous turn when a man refused to take no for an answer and got aggressive with Geary. Without hesitation, she pulled out a wand and sent him flying out of the tavern with a flick of her wrist.

"You're...you're a mage?" Julien gasped, shocked by the sudden display of magic.

"Oops, my secret's out," Geary giggled, her eyes scanning the fearful faces of those around them.

The look of fear in everyone's eyes made Julien realize that he may have gotten more than he bargained for with this enigmatic woman.

But as Geary's secrets slowly unraveled throughout the night, Julien couldn't deny the thrill and danger of being by her side. And as they shared wild tales and endless laughter, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises this enchanting woman held in store for him.

"Why don't we get out of here?" Geary's sultry voice whispered into Julien's ear, sending shivers down his spine. "All this noise and lights must be making you dizzy. Let's continue this somewhere quieter."

Despite the turmoil within him, Julien couldn't resist the pull of Geary's seductive tone. He knew he wasn't in the right frame of mind, still reeling from his feelings for Lady Eleanor. But as Geary placed her hand on his arm, he felt a surge of desire wash over him.

"Why can't I resist her?" he wondered, feeling a fire ignite in his chest. It was a primal urge, a craving for pleasure that he had never experienced before. Desperately, he tried to calm himself with Qi but it was no use. Geary's cold hand on his own sent all rational thought fleeing.

She cupped his face in her hands, her eyes drilling into his. "Follow me," she purred, "We have a long night ahead of us."

Before he knew it, he found himself on the top floor of an opulent inn, far removed from the dingy alley they had been standing in just moments before. Sunlight streamed through the medium-sized windows as Julien's thoughts swirled with confusion and longing.

Then he heard it - Geary's soft giggle. He turned to see her lowering her bra, revealing a pair of bouncing breasts that were larger than life. She wiggled seductively, causing her flesh to jiggle teasingly.

"What...are you..." Julien stammered.

"Don't look so surprised," Geary chuckled wickedly.

"Come here and show me what you're hiding under those clothes."

She drew closer, pressing her chest against Julien's. He couldn't help it - he felt his body react to her touch, his member growing hard at the sensation of her pointed nipples grazing his skin.

Before he could even form a coherent thought, Geary's mouth crashed onto his own. Her tongue invaded his mouth with a hunger that took him by surprise. She expertly maneuvered her tongue against his in a tantalizing dance, leaving his mind blank and his body yearning for more.

"Mhmmpf...mmah...slurp-mmhpf..." Geary mumbled playfully, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Let's see...oh, look how hard you've gotten, fufufu."

She slowly lowered herself to her knees, pushing Julien onto the king-sized bed behind him. She crawled seductively towards him, her hands eagerly unbuttoning his trousers. A moment of clarity washed over Julien as he felt her soft touch against his skin.

"W-wait, I can't..." he protested weakly.

"Shh, let go," Geary whispered huskily.

"Let it all go..."

But as she engulfed his throbbing cock in her wet and narrow mouth, any remaining shred of control slipped away from Julien. He tried to resist, but the pleasure was too overwhelming. With each movement of her mouth, every flick of her tongue, she drove him closer and closer to the edge.

And just when he thought it couldn't get any better, she took him deeper than he had ever been before -

The room was filled with the sounds of lewd moans and slurping as Geary expertly took all of Julien's manhood into her mouth. She pushed it down her throat until his entire world spun and his body trembled with pleasure. Alternating between sucking on his balls and stroking his slippery cock, Geary brought Julien to the brink of euphoria. With a twist of her hands and a flick of her tongue, she milked every last drop of cum from him, leaving him breathless and drenched in sweat.

“Fufufu, let’s continue cutie.” she said,

"I...need to rest," he gasped, not sure if he had ever experienced such an intense orgasm before.

But Geary had plans for him and she wasn't going to let him rest just yet. As she traced her finger playfully over his abdomen, his Qi started to stir uncontrollably and his cock rose to attention once again.

"What did you do?" Julien asked, but Geary hushed him.

"Don't be alarmed, cutie. In this life, you can have anything you want. You just need to tell yourself you can have it. And I can make it happen. Like magic."

With that, she impaled herself on his cock, squeezing him tightly with each movement. Julien felt like he was melting under her touch as she rode him aggressively.

"Just a little deeper," she purred as she rolled onto her back and bounced on him with wild abandon.

Julien was lost in a whirlwind of pleasure as he thrust into her harder and faster until they both reached their peak and came together in a mind-blowing climax.

Exhausted but still craving more of her, Julien lay beside Geary as she calmly watched his semen dripping out of her. But to his surprise, her euphoric expression quickly faded.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"It's not enough," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "We're just beginning, cutie."

‘F-fuck...what have I gotten myself into’ he thought.

The room was filled with the sensuous glow of alternating sunlight and moonlight, as Julien and Geary indulged in their carnal game. Days had blurred into each other as they surrendered to desire time and time again.

Geary's touch was like magic, her voice soft and persuasive as she coaxed his deepest desires from him. Even when they weren't making love, Julien could feel the sadness creeping back in.

But with every release of pleasure, his control slipped away and he found himself at Geary's mercy once more.

After the heat of one of their many sessions, they were both panting and drenched in sweat. With a guttural groan, Julien forcefully spread Geary's massive ass apart as he released his pent-up climax deep inside her.

“Ku...haa...haa...AAHHH....C-cumming!”

It was just one of countless times he had lost himself in her, unable to resist the insatiable desire she evoked within him. But as they lay there panting, Geary looked back at him with a seductive gaze.

"You hate your brother, don't you?" she purred.

Julien desperately wanted to object, but Geary knew exactly how to manipulate his arousal. He moaned incoherently as she expertly sucked and stroked his cock. Every time he felt close to orgasm, she would pause and demand that he express his true feelings. His mind was consumed with pleasure, unable to resist her hypnotic skills. As he neared climax once again, she forcefully pulled his cock from her mouth and stared into his eyes.

"Say it, cutie. Say what you really want." Julien tried to fight back the dark thoughts swirling in his head, but the overwhelming sensation of Geary's wet and warm mouth had him under its spell. Days had passed since he last felt like himself, lost in a world of magic and lust.

"I... I wish... oh god... I wish he was FUCKING DEAD!" With a final thrust, Julien came hard in her mouth.

"Gulp! Well done, my cutie. This load tastes better than the last. Now rest, my sweet boy. I will make all your twisted fantasies come true."

Exhaustion engulfed Julien like a suffocating blanket, every thrust and moan from Geary had drained him of his energy. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Geary allowed Julien to collapse in a heap on the bed. But as he drifted into unconsciousness, Julien couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Through heavy-lidded eyes, he saw a muscular figure enter the room and join Geary on the bed. He could hear their vulgar whispers and groans, building towards a crescendo of pleasure. "Fuck, I've been craving this ass for 13 damn days," the deep voice grunted.

"Shut up and just fuck me already!" Geary's voice was high-pitched with arousal.

Geary's words dissolved into unintelligible screams as Julien sank into darkness.

*****

The wind howled outside, causing Julien's eyes to snap open in alarm. He tried to sit up, but his mind felt foggy, like he had just chugged a bottle of cheap aged Ale. As the haze cleared, he realized with dread that he was lying naked on an unfamiliar bed, wrapped in thin, scratchy quilts.

"Shit...how much did I drink?" he muttered, his hand flying to his pounding head. But as he glanced around the room, his memories came flooding back and he froze, fear coursing through him.

"Geary?!" he called out, but there was no one there. He slowly pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, wincing at the ache in his body. Trying to piece together what had happened, Julien stumbled towards the window and pulled back the curtains.

His heart dropped as he took in the scene outside: thick smoke polluting the air and rubble scattered across a landscape that looked like it had been flattened by a giant hand. Panic surged through him as he realized he had been trapped in this room for who knows how long.

"What the fuck is happening?!" he yelled, quickly throwing on his clothes and rushing out of the room.

He flew down the winding stairs and burst out onto the ground floor, only to freeze in shock at the eerie emptiness of the place. Ignoring the chill running through him, Julien bolted for the door, **** to escape this nightmare.

But as soon as he stepped outside, a cold gust of wind hit him hard. Confused, he turned around and saw a sign with unfamiliar words etched onto it: Moon JinTeahouse. His mind reeled as he tried to remember how he got here.

Before he could think any further, a searing pain shot through his stomach. Gasping in agony, Julien lifted his shirt to reveal a glowing purple rune etched into his skin, its fiery edges burning his flesh. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, wondering if this was all some twisted dream.

But then he heard a voice behind him, one that made his heart skip a beat. Not in a good way.

"Julien...is that you?"