I froze in confusion as Isabelle's laughter cut through the deadly tension in the room. The killing intent that had suffocated the air moments before vanished like mist in sunlight.
"What?" I managed to say, looking between Isabelle and her grandfather.
To my astonishment, Michael Ashworth's stern expression melted into a warm smile. The transformation was so complete that he seemed like an entirely different person.
"You passed, young man," he said, his voice no longer hard as steel but rich with amusement. "Not many stand their ground when facing the full pressure of the Ashworth family's intent."
Isabelle skipped over and linked her arm through mine. "I told you Grandfather would test you. He does this with everyone he meets."
"That was... a test?" My heart was still racing, my body primed for a fight that apparently wasn't coming.
