"Marduk, listen," Damian said to the devil priest speaking his name, trying to keep his voice steady, though the weight of his mistake hung heavily in the air between them.
Marduk turned on him, his eyes blazing with fury. "Oh, no, no, no, you are not going to rationalize this," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You let that thing in there compromise you!"
His frustration boiled over, and he jabbed a finger toward Damian, the anger almost tangible. "You're useless to me now!" he shouted, his voice echoing down the corridor.
Damian, caught between guilt and desperation, tried to defend himself, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Wait! Tell me you've never made a mistake."
Marduk didn't even hesitate, his response sharp and biting. "Oh, I've made plenty," he said with a mocking sneer. "Just so happens this one's yours."
