Julian was still standing awkwardly by the front door after Catherine left. His body swayed slightly to one side, feeling as though he was having trouble staying upright due to the effects of the heavy drinks coursing through his system, yet he refused to give in to his dizziness.

He could feel his eyelids begin to droop and his eyes started to flutter shut involuntarily. Just as he felt himself falling backwards, he felt someone's hands grabbing his arms and holding him steady.

He forced his eyes to open again, not wanting to fall asleep on the doorstep in his condition. He raised his head and looked up and saw...