---
"You may live if you become useful."
Fizz's expression changed from anger to disgust.
"I would rather eat wet boots."
Fartray ignored him and looked at John.
"Give me the gun design. Tell me how the weapon increases a mage's attack. Tell me where the crafting table came from. Then sign the transfer papers for Fizz Holdings."
John remained silent for several seconds. His anger moved through him slowly. It did not make him shout. It made every sound around him clearer.
The wind between the buildings. The breathing of the archers. The soft movement of boots on stone.
Gael's controlled pain.
Fartray believed he could kill everyone John had built something with and then walk away with the shop.
He believed people were only objects to use.
John knew people like him well.
His brothers had believed the same thing.
The White family had treated John's life as something without value. Fartray now looked at Gael, Orna, Kel, and Edda in the same way.
