His ancient godly face is a wrestling match right now. The muscles in it are working hard as he considers Daji's ultimatum. The poisoned blood has been sitting, steeping for days now, and its scent fills the room, even with a tightly sealed vial. It smells like fire and blood. Fire and blood waft through the room.
Daji releases his chin so he can answer.
"You dare blackmail me?" he sputters.
Daji's face is serious and grave. The face of the judge, jury, and executioner. "I give you a choice, Marduk. Which is more than you gave to Jocelyn Lyr."
"That ... that was necessary."
Daji huffs. "Of course. It always is. The ends justify the means, every time. Same old story. It seems that we gods can never escape it."
"And what of you?" he challenges. "What of any of you who presume to judge me? Do you think your sins as gods are washed clean? Zeus fornicates whenever he pleases--"
"Oh, that's original," Waverly mutters under his breath.
