I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

The desperate whispers died, instantly cut clean. Eli coughed as the grip around his throat loosened.

"As you said, we’d be losing manpower as well," Ian added calmly.

Thesaya turned, her lips parting slightly. "Perhaps there is another way for them to atone."

Her tone was as cold as her expression, with veins faintly pulsing around her eyes.

It was clear she thought Ian had stepped in too soon. She had every intention of taking at least a few limbs or ears.

"If I propose a suitable alternative, will you accept it?"

Ian didn’t back down. "Of course, after they swear they will not repeat this mistake and that they will obey my proposal."

Thesaya’s eyes, still shimmering with magic, narrowed slightly.

Eli broke in, his voice ragged. "I—I swear! I swear!"