31

Noori maintained her serious expression without wavering, unfazed by Dastan's attempt to regain control of the situation. However, Dastan, momentarily taken aback, responded once he regained his composure.

"I never knew Nurian people had such a knack for manipulation. I almost fell for your words," Dastan asserted, attempting to assert his dominance.

"I knew you would say something like that, so I suggest one thing to make this relationship a little more bearable," Noori proposed, her tone firm.

"I don't want to bear it, so I have no interest in listening to anything you have to say," Dastan retorted, abruptly turning to leave.