The man didn't know what Darius meant but knew that his smile was creeping him out. He cried, "I'll have you know that my family's one of the most prominent in Ashweir City. You've humiliated me, and I'm furious right now! Do you want to appease me?"

Darius resisted the urge to burst into laughter when he saw the man's forced bravado. He nodded and said, "Of course."

The man lifted two fingers. "Firstly, take your foot off me. Secondly, give the beauty beside you to me. Regardless of whatever's happened between you two, I'll still welcome her into my arms!" He looked at Darius. "What say you? Simple enough, right?"

Darius' smile widened. "Very simple, in fact. But I'm gonna say no."

Floyd Davis stiffened. Then, he roared, "You've crossed the line! Who are you? Tell me your name! I swear I'll make you disappear from Ashweir City!" He wriggled around in agitation.

Darius smiled. "I can tell you who I am, but before that, I want you to stop wriggling. It annoys me, and I don't think you