There was fear. If there were any demons that wouldn't react to this with rip-roaring, pants-splitting fear, Paxton didn't know them. The demons he knew were powerful with their words rather than with their tricks, which were better suited for parlours. Not many demons wielded the raw power this terrifying beast did.
But Paxton had learned from the commune. He knew that fear was something that was felt rather than shown. Sure, there were some clues. A shaking to his hands and feet, fingers that couldn't help but pry at the talons. A light tremor in his voice. A widening of his eyes. But Paxton, terrified as he was, looked more like he'd been surprised in the bathroom rather than being terrorized by a life dragon.
"I..." Paxton started, trying to look up at Ashton defiantly. "I don't think to take your gold, dragon. A thief would not ask that so readily, would he." Paxton took a deep breath, trying to control himself. Trying to control his voice. "You... You didn't answer my question. I win the game."