Offended?

The human heart is a complicated thing. Sometimes, the more you back down, the more people think you're easy to push around—they'll keep pressing, taking inch after inch.

But if you suddenly stand your ground, refuse to yield, and push back just as hard, they might unexpectedly lose their nerve.

Just like now.

Roland hadn't taken Ethan seriously at all in the beginning. But the moment Ethan snapped and started fighting back, Roland suddenly felt… uneasy.

There was no trace of empty bravado in Ethan's stance.

Instead, he radiated dominance—absolute, unshakable confidence.

That kind of presence… Roland had only ever seen it in one person before: his own lord, the Wisdom Angel, Cain.

For the first time, doubt crept into Roland's mind.

He didn't dare say another word.