The Birth of the Shadow Guard
Leon continued, voice even, measured.
"I am a cautious man."
He took a step forward. Not aggressive. Not retreating. Just enough to close the space.
"You've survived this long because you don't trust easily," Leon said. "So have I."
His eyes flicked briefly to each of them, weighing, calculating.
"You guard something precious. I respect that."
A pause.
"But I guard more."
His voice lowered slightly.
"I have wives. I have a kingdom. I have enemies on every border."
The faint red glow reflected in his golden eyes, turning them almost molten.
"Men smile while sharpening blades. Allies turn when pressure is applied. Hatred for a common enemy binds people… temporarily."
He stepped closer.
The contracts drifted between them now, within reach.
"I will not risk a mistake that costs my family their lives."
Silence.
The words didn't echo — they settled. Heavy. Final.
