The look in Aren's eyes confirmed it. Gratitude, yes, but also a kind of reverence, even unease, as though Rex were a towering figure whose reach extended beyond what Aren could ever imagine. He leaned back in his seat, watching Aren out of the corner of his eye. The kid's awe wasn't hidden well… it slipped through in every glance, every stammer, every attempt to mask his nerves.
Rex didn't mind. In fact, he welcomed it. Each flicker of shock, each humbled silence, was proof that his image was being carved deeper and deeper into From his experience in past life, he knew that loyalty built on gratitude could waver, but loyalty rooted in awe and fear of losing such a rare chance… now that was far more difficult to shake.
