Akh'sha didn't answer right away. He studied Taufik's expression in silence, his deep blue eyes narrowing ever so slightly as if searching for some hidden motive beneath his calm demeanor. The tension between them seemed to stretch, brittle and fragile like a string pulled too tight. Finally, a small sigh slipped from his lips, resignation, laced with a trace of amusement.
"…Who am I to refuse GOD's request?" He said, his voice carrying a touch of dry sarcasm, the word GOD almost spat out like a joke he wasn't sure he found funny.
But instead of irritation, Taufik let out a soft laugh, the sound low and unbothered. He leaned back in his chair, the light catching on the dark crimson surface of his wine as he swirled the goblet lazily. With a casual grace, he brought it to his lips again, sipping as though his reluctant submission had been expected all along.
