A little bit of trolling...

The rage that flared up in Alex's face turned him beet red. If this were a cartoon, smoke would probably be fuming out of his ears right now.

A torrent of emotions boiled over all at once. He clenched his fists, knuckles turning white as he stared down as the dwarf who had just casually admitted to playing with his emotions like some cheap instrument.

"Are you fucking serious, Rothwind?"

Alex growled, practically unable to hold anything back.

"You dragged me out here, made me— made me think something could have happened to her, just for what? A goddamn laugh?"

Rothwind's smile didn't falter, but he raised a hand in a placating gesture.

"Ah, don't look so sour! I knew you'd just come charging after her if I didn't bring you myself, so I figured I'd keep you in a bit of suspense."

He shrugged as if it were no big deal, a sly look crossing his eyes.