Chapter 52: Tonight’s Plan
Panicking or getting anxious in a situation such as this was not going to do him any good. Also, it wasn’t like him.
Jethro had been confronted like this many times before. Although back then, in his former world, he was always confident in his ability to fight back if things went sideways. Now, aches and bruises reminded him he was the weakest here; a brawl was the last thing he needed.
Avoiding physical altercations was the only real move.
Kaden’s advice rang in his ears as he came to this conclusion.
"We asked a question, lizard face!" the crony taunted, edging closer, his posture almost begging for a fight. "Show us what’s behind you!"
"Hold it, Nov." Eryn Fenlor extended his hand, blocking his crony from advancing to Jethro. His eyes stayed locked with Jethro’s, this time more assessing than its usual anger or mockery. Then he calmly approached Jethro, and rather than the lunge of fist he expected, Jethro saw that Eryn had offered his hand for a shake.
"We haven’t been properly introduced," Eryn said, his lips curling into a princely, almost civil smile. "I’m Eryn Fenlor, Prince of higher Sector Two. A Dual Bond Tamer, currently Class D." He paused before continuing. "And you are?"
Jethro glanced down at his waiting palm, shooting him an untrusting brow raise. "I’m Jethro Merrick," he said flatly, making no move to accept the handshake.
Eryn let his hand drop with a smirk.
"When will you learn to start respecting the nobles around here, Jethro?" Dash asked him, silent frustration on his face. Dune, his cheetah, was curled around his leg.
"He punched Nyro Vexx," Eryn said with a scoff. "Surely a person who would do such a thing has clearly missed the lecture on respect for those above him."
"I have an idea," Nov said, luring closer. "Why don’t we beat it into him?" He pounded a fist into his open palm, eyes glinting.