Rin stared at the Duke of Vortellion for a long, measured ten seconds before responding, the silence deliberate, a sharp and unspoken way of showing Evan he wasn't easily shaken. Behind the thin veil, his crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dim carriage light, steady and unyielding. The air was thick, the small space charged with tension, as if the world held its breath waiting for Rin's next move.
Evan only smiled, his posture composed, his voice smooth like silk dipped in poison.
"It's an honour to finally meet the Golden Goose in person. To see you here, in my estate, indulging in my little game..." He gestured lazily with one hand, his lips curling. "I am most pleased. Tell me... did you enjoy it?"
Rin tilted his head, his voice deceptively calm, each word carefully chosen. "Would you enjoy watching Alphas being slaughtered like livestock?"
The Duke's smile faltered, a flicker of confusion crossing his sharp grey eyes. "...What?"
