Chapter 77: Dark thorns
Liam’s fingers tapped idly against the wooden table. His gaze lowered briefly to the cup, the golden liquid inside untouched.
For a second, he considered taking a sip—just to see the old man’s reaction—but he dismissed the thought.
"It’s nothing," Liam finally said.
Ratna’s face squeezed into a frown. His fists clenched.
His reaction was far too exaggerated for such a simple response. His eyes twitched slightly, and Liam noticed the subtle shift in his breathing—shallow, uneven.
"You refuse the drink I bought for you?" Ratna asked, his voice slightly strained.
Liam said nothing.
Ratna scoffed, shaking his head. His fingers drummed against the wooden surface of the table before tightening into a fist once again.
"That’s a terrible way to treat hospitality, traveler," He muttered, clicking his tongue in annoyance. " I brought you to this tavern, got you a drink believing we could talk like men... yet you won’t even drink what I bought for you?"
Liam finally smiled, resting his chin against his palm.
"Is this how you always welcome visitors, Ratna?" He asked, voice calm but a strange glint flashing across his eyes.