"I said do it!"
Hugo flinched slightly before nodding. "Fine, fine. I'll do it."
"Keep your hands in the air where I can see them while you walk away," the man warned, pressing the knife closer to Atlas's neck until a thin line of blood dripped from his skin. "Don't even think about trying anything."
"I'm not," Hugo exhaled, keeping his hands raised as he carefully turned. Each step was slow, ensuring his hands remained visible. However, with his back to the man, his eyes darted around, calculating his next move.
As Hugo moved cautiously, the man followed, keeping Atlas under his blade.
"They won't untie them," Atlas murmured, keeping pace despite the sting on his neck. "Even if you kill me, they won't."
"Stop talking!"
"I'm telling you, you're wasting your time." Despite the pain, Atlas turned his head slightly, letting the blade graze his skin. "Do you know why?"