Nazariu hesitated briefly.

If he cast magic here and now, what were the odds of defeating Theo and escaping unscathed?

However—

“I wouldn’t suggest getting any funny ideas.”

Before Nazariu could even attempt anything, the blade pressed against his neck dug deeper.

Drip.

A thin stream of crimson trickled down the blade’s edge, a stark warning.

In that moment, Nazariu realized Theo wasn’t bluffing.

He wasn’t simply aiming to capture; if Nazariu became a hindrance, Theo wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate him.

“Well, it’s not the big catch I was hoping for, but I suppose this will suffice. Someone like you …