The oppressive silence of the hall was broken by the faint sound of a low chuckle. Anos Voldigod, lounging in his throne-like chair, leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing with amusement. The weight of his presence was palpable, suffocating, yet Alex sat unmoved in his seat—at least outwardly.
"You come to my house," Anos began, his voice a silken blade, "sit before me without invitation, and have the audacity to ask for my daughter. Bold. Even for Vanessa's son."
Alex met the Demon Lord's gaze evenly, the storm within him carefully hidden behind a calm exterior. "I meant no disrespect, Lord Anos," he said, his tone courteous but unwavering. "But I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe I had something of interest to offer."
Alex knew that he was walking on a fine line. He couldn't make any mistakes. The man in front of him was the only other character introduced in the story who seemed to have power rivaling Vanessa's, though no clear statement was given.
