Carl did not even look at him now, like the matter was settled.
Arthur clenched his jaw. This manipulative bastard.
"Good one, Carl. A real good one." Arthur said, his voice low and dark, eyes narrowed in quiet fury.
Carl tilted his head, all innocence on the surface. "I don't understand what you're talking about," he replied mildly, though a satisfied glint flickered in his gaze. "But I appreciate your suggestion. Somto will do just fi—"
"Shut up."
Arthur's voice dropped so low it was almost a growl. The air itself seemed to grow colder, the leaves around them shivering as if the trees felt the sudden tension too.
Carl paused, then smiled to himself. Finally, he thought. This is the reaction I was aiming for. Now that Arthur had shown his real intentions, there was no need to keep pushing.
He lifted a hand in a small surrender, as though he were only now giving in.
