Edgar Valentine wasn't just angry. Things had gone too far long ago. What dominated the atmosphere now was something more brutal, more direct, more dangerous. His presence seemed to weigh on the air, as if the atmosphere itself struggled to remain stable while he paced back and forth, his heavy steps marking the ground with unnecessary force.
Jake was kneeling a few meters ahead.
Not out of respect.
But because he knew that standing at that moment would only worsen the situation.
Even so, it didn't help much.
"How," Edgar began, his voice low, controlled in a way that only made clear how close he was to exploding, "can you be so stupid?"
Jake opened his mouth to reply, but couldn't form anything in time.
Edgar was already in front of him.
The movement was quick.
Direct.
Without warning.
