(A few minutes later, The Skyshard Mansion)
Leo sat on the porch swing, while Dupravel settled on the floor in front of him, the two locked in an unbroken stare, caught in a strangely awkward arrangement that felt both tense and absurdly casual at the same time.
"So… why exactly can't you go back to the righteous faction?" Leo asked, his curiosity piqued as he wondered just how badly Dupravel had burned the bridges that once supported him on that side.
"It's suicidal to return without having fulfilled my mission. If I go back now, Mauriss will have my head," Dupravel replied plainly, as Leo raised an eyebrow, his suspicion deepening with every word.
"And the Serpents?"
"They're gone. The Universal Government seized our treasure and wiped Twin Fang Planet off the map for daring to resist. Those thugs don't play games." Dupravel spoke without a flicker of emotion, yet the aura dancing faintly red around his frame betrayed the depth of what he truly felt inside.
