'Joseph is...dead?' I stood in shock. Though I was used to comrades dying, he wasn't supposed to. I was supposed to have saved him.
"Dammit..." I pulled my hand from his neck, frustrated by my failure.
"Oh... So the boy has passed?" Vincent inquired while fixing his wrist. The bone snapped and crackled as he maneuvered it back in place. "You have my condolences, truly..."
I had no snarky quip or retort to offer. Instead, I took several deep breaths to calm down, then turned toward Vincent with a clenched jaw and balled-up fists, one with a knife in hand.
He stopped in place with a courteous grin. "I can allow you a few moments to mourn the dead if you wish. I'll grant you this mercy."
Despite his words, my vigilant gaze remained fixed on Vincent. 'I'll be damned if he thinks he can lower my guard,' I growled to myself.