In this excerpt from "Onyx" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, a character experiences surprise while confronting someone who seems to be giving in too easily. The tension is palpable as one character expresses a desire to distance themselves from the other, indicating a struggle with emotions and the situation at hand.

Daemon’s chuckle suggests a deeper understanding of the conflict, as he mocks the other character’s attempts to mask their feelings with bravado. The phrase "ego steroids" implies that the person is overcompensating for their vulnerability, adding complexity to the character dynamics and their interactions.