There had been a real moment of panic for Ulysse as he was pinned, his attacker getting a solid knee in the gut and growing pissed enough to snarl, "Anton didn't say nothing about you losing a finger or two, you little bitch-"

But before he can follow through with his threat, he's screaming as his fingers get broken and he briefly squeezes down hard around Ulysse's throat before he withdraws and Rook gets down to business.

Everyone's left gawking at Rook, Damian included with his phone hanging limply by his ear. Ulysse has a hand to his freed throat, gasping quietly for air as he straightens up behind his rescuer, wide-eyed and confused as to what's going on. Before he can say anything, though, the guy with the broken fingers is shoving one of his goons towards Rook, wheezing, "Get the fucker! Fuck him up!!"

They look uncertain at first, but the gang does have the strength in numbers, especially as the ones harassing the customers have now broken off from their own brawls to come join the group around Rook. As their numbers increase, it's obvious they're starting to feel bold again, puffing up and starting to hurl their taunts at Rook while waiting to see who throws the first punch.

"Yeah come on you fucker, let's see what you got!"

"Ugly shitface, you gonna mess with us for your little girlfriend there?"