An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"Huh?" Dustin was taken aback by the sudden outburst and felt a bit bewildered.

He glanced around the living room and noticed the intense glare from the burly man, Donny Zedd. Then, he asked tentatively, "Are you talking to me?"

"Who else would I be talking to?" Donny shot back.

He glared at Dustin and shouted, "Don't you have any manners? You waltz in here without so much as a 'hello' and plop yourself down like you own the place. Do you have no respect for us?"

"Manners?" Dustin arched an eyebrow skeptically.

He replied icily, "Do we even know each other? Why should I bother with pleasantries? And even if I don't hold you in high regard, what's it to you?"

"Hey! Are you looking for trouble, kid?" Donny bristled with anger, ready to throw a punch, but was intercepted by a man in white, Lucian Whitman, with a sly grin.

"Easy there, don't get all worked up. This kid just seems clueless about etiquette. Let's show him the ropes. No need for violence, especially with the host around. We wouldn't want to cause any awkwardness."

Lucian motioned for Donny to take a seat, then turned his gaze to Dustin with a friendly smile." You must be new around here. Let me fill you in on the customs.

"You know, in these circles, it's customary to show a little respect to your elders. A nod, a greeting, nothing too demanding, right?"

Dustin responded calmly, "If you truly are martial world veterans, a simple greeting would suffice. But your actions lack the dignity one would expect. The way you intimidate others, one might mistake you for bandits."

Lucian's smile faltered at Dustin's words, and a glint of annoyance flickered in his eyes.

his hand on the table. He rose to his feet and roared, "You disrespectful

show some basic respect, then you're on your own." Lucian

and they

the same cocky arrogance. However, in the

to tread carefully. Otherwise,

were any conspiracies within the Hall of Gods. But as soon as he walked in,

you're six feet under!" Donny sneered,

fast and furious, and the air whistled with

He easily caught the incoming fist just before

in surprise. Though he hadn't gone all out just now, he had still put about 70 percent

martial artists. Yet, Dustin effortlessly caught his fist, which struck

skill, you're still bold enough to be so cocky.

sudden, forceful grip of his fingers, he twisted

before releasing a blood-curdling scream

shouted and

yards. He crashed into the wall, coughing up blood and

"What?"

as they

expected Dustin to be so formidable that he could send Donny flying with just one

martial artist stage, which made him

recklessly! Who gave you the