The words were soft but edged with steel, carried swiftly by the cool breeze. Kal blinked. "Huh? Boss?"
Centric's eyes, closed tightly for a moment, snapped open with a flicker of frustration. "Shut up and do as he said." His tone left no room for argument.
Kal hesitated, pride warring with fear on his face, but eventually stepped forward, standing across from Nyxander.
Nyxander tilted his head slightly, the streetlight glinting off his blade. "You're apologizing to the old merchant, not me."
He gestured toward the merchant, who now stood on unsteady feet, like a candle flickering in the wind. "And not just him." Nyxander's finger shifted, pointing squarely at Centric. "You as well."
Kal's eyes narrowed, the mask of arrogance slipping back over his face despite the sweat streaking his brow. "Don't bite off more than you can chew," he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.