Victor and Arkanis locked eyes, a palpable tension hanging in the air as if something explosive could happen at any second.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Arkanis broke the silence, his face taut with controlled anger, "I want to know just how much you know about our Empire." He paused, his voice dropping lower, almost a growl. "And more importantly... who the hell are you?"
Victor, unfazed, met Arkanis's gaze without flinching. He let the silence linger for a moment longer, purposely heightening the tension, watching as the flicker of irritation crossed Arkanis's face. Then, with a faint, amused smile, he replied, "Oh, I know a great deal about your Empire. More than you might think. Including the little fear you're hiding behind that mask of anger."
