Author POV.

“Do you really mean that?” Rick asked as he lit the cigarette in his mouth. Smoke trailed upward while he turned his head sharply toward Lian, who was standing there stiffly.

“I just asked a question, Lian,” Rick muttered again, his voice low and cold.

“Yes sir, we almost died… but thank God we didn't,” Lian said, his tone quiet, like he was afraid his words might set Rick off.

Rick scoffed, cutting his eyes at him. “Why thank God? Wouldn’t it have been better if ...