Shattered Facades

"...Are you scared, Rocco?"

The voice from above him caused Rocco to shake his head vigorously.

It was just a façade, a mere act of bravado.

The truth was, Rocco was terrified.

But still, he didn't want to show his fear in front in front of them.

He didn't want to appear weak in front of them.

As his body trembled, clearly betraying his emotional state, he squeezed his eyes shut and crouched down in desperation.

Then, out of nowhere, the same warm breath he had felt earlier brushed against his ear once again, and Sylas's deep yet incredibly gentle voice wove through the air.

"I told you I would protect you. As long as I'm here, you have nothing to fear."

This time, he wouldn't be fooled.

He knew that this was just like before, another lie meant to deceive and manipulate him.

He understood that, but despite that, tears still streamed down his face.

"Ugh...!"