Damian didn't respond and didn't blink.
Just continued staring at nothing with those empty crimson eyes.
Ashley waited for several seconds, then leaned forward slightly.
"Mr. Valcor? Can you hear me?"
Still nothing.
Warren James exchanged a glance with Ashley, concern flickering across his features. The boy looked completely unresponsive to external stimuli.
Then Damian's hand moved slowly, reaching into his spatial ring with small movement.
A cigar materialized between his fingers and he placed it between his lips with deliberate slowness.
Then a lighter appeared.
Click
The flame caught, casting orange light across his blood-stained features and hollow eyes.
He drew slowly, the end glowing red, smoke curling upward in the sterile air.
The officers behind Ashley shifted, their frustration clearly visible on their faces. The casual disrespect of smoking during an official interrogation making them want to intervene.
