Phoebe's POV
Malcolm easily overwhelmed lan, a reality that didn't surprise anyone familiar with the underground fighting scene. When Malcolm moved, lan didn't even think about fighting back—he understood it would only result in swift humiliation.
Luckily, I spotted lan's trouble and stepped in, dragging him to safety before things got worse.
"Phoebe, these guys are savage! I'm a respected mercenary, for crying out loud. Don't I deserve some basic courtesy?" lan grumbled under his breath, clearly rattled.
He was probably thinking, 'Sure, I can't beat them, but couldn't we at least be civilized about it?'
I shot him a warning glare. "Keep your mouth shut if you don't want Harold to destroy you!"
Even I had to acknowledge lan was practically begging for a beating, wondering to myself, 'Why is he provoking them so openly? That takes serious nerve.'
lan caught Malcolm's threatening smile and immediately went silent.
