Herald didn't even get a chance to speak.
The ancestor's fist slammed straight into his stomach.
A wet choking sound tore out of him as he folded instantly, dropping to his knees, both hands clutching his abdomen. His breath came out in short, broken gasps.
"Useless," the old demon growled. "One job. You had one fucking job."
Herald tried to lift his head.
He didn't get far.
The ancestor grabbed him by the horns and yanked him upright then brought his knee up hard.
CRACK.
Herald flew backward, smashing into the stone wall with enough force to leave a dent. Blood dripped from his nose and mouth as he struggled to stand, legs shaking under him.
The ancestor didn't move. He just stared at his son with an expression that was somewhere between disgust and disappointment.
"I trained you," he said slowly, voice low and controlled. "Fed you. Protected you. Prepared you. And still you cannot do even the simplest thing without fumbling like a blind child."
