He held back. That was him holding back.
The realization hit harder than the physical punishment. If casual correction could send him flying through trees, what would serious retaliation accomplish?
"Don't you dare think of running again."
The threat carried weight beyond words. Torrino had witnessed the destruction of creatures he didn't dare approach, and observed power that redefined individual capability. His escape attempt had been naive desperation rather than calculated strategy.
Running from something like this? Might as well try to outrun a natural disaster.
"I... I understand," he managed through split lips.
The captain remained on the ground, unwilling to test whether standing would be interpreted as renewed defiance. Blood continued seeping from various cuts while the handprint on his cheek darkened into impressive bruising.
