Under His Command

Rylan fell silent, his piercing gaze fixed on Rose. His expression unreadable, he didn't say a word, just stared into her eyes. The weight of his silence was suffocating, wrapping around Rose like a thick fog.

She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, each beat sounding louder than the last. She tried to stand her ground, but her words seemed to catch in her throat. She could almost feel the tension in the air, thick and oppressive, as though the very room itself was holding its breath.

Rose, now visibly nervous, shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She didn't want to show weakness, didn't want him to see how much his stare unnerved her, but her body betrayed her. Her palms grew clammy, and a cold sweat formed on her neck. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in a battle she couldn't win.

Then, finally, Rylan spoke, his voice laced with mockery, each word deliberate and cutting.