Roma leaned back slightly, his gaze intensifying as he turned to face them both fully. A suppressed laugh danced at the edges of his expression as he mentally worked through the alphabet, searching for the right letter…

“People who go up against me usually end up needing preparation… but then with the letter that comes after ‘G’…” he paused, eyes momentarily glazing as he mentally recited the ABCs, “it’s ‘heavier preparation.’”

He fought to keep his composure, the corners of his mouth twitching with barely contained amusement. “They need to be fully ready to handle what’s coming ya know.”

The threat hung in the air like static before a lightning strike, crackling with unspoken danger. Roma’s stare bore into Juniper, the tension thick enough to be almost tangible. But Juniper felt only calm, anchored by Daniel’s unwavering presence. As Roma’s words hung ominously, Daniel instinctively stepped forward, his body positioning itself between Juniper and Roma.