Julien hadn't let go of his grip.
However, the fingers around her neck had slightly loosened, allowing a breath of fresh air to rush back through her brain. Ruby knew that her chance had finally come.
The man was still trapped in his own illusions. They hadn't entirely dispersed yet.
No matter what she did, he wouldn't be able to perceive any of her movements. However, he could hear her voice. He could react to her desperate calls.
She could… influence him!
"Look at me!" Ruby brought her hands to his cheeks and pulled his face closer, pressing her burning forehead against his freezing skin. She tried to pass her temperature over.
"...Tell me! Who am I?" She stared at him with an intensity that didn't allow him to break away.
Perhaps, it was the sternness of her voice that affected him as something inside his eyes finally moved.
