[ His head cracks against the wall that time -- not hard enough for any lasting damage, but for a moment, he sees stars. His breath leaves him in a rush, and it takes a few seconds for him to regain it. ]

Fight back? [ said between breaths, and his lips curl in a small, sardonic smile. ] And put a stop to your prattling? It's been so long since I've been properly threatened. I'd hate to interrupt.