Ty scoffed, amused disdain clear on his face. "I always watch my back. And calling me 'Demon'--it's getting old, don't you think?" His voice stayed smooth, untouched by the guard's threat.
The guard's jaw tightened, his earlier bravado faltering under Ty's composed demeanor. He took a step back, the strain of maintaining his authority evident in his rigid posture. "Just keep walking, Hockenson. That's all you need to worry about right now."
Turning away with an arrogant flick of his wrist, Ty resumed his walk towards the staircase, his steps measured and deliberate. Over his shoulder, he threw a final quip, "Remember, it's your job to watch my back too."
Behind him, the guard stood motionless, the flush of anger slowly receding from his face. As Ty's figure diminished in the distance, a sense of begrudging respect mixed with unresolved tension lingered in the air.
