(Moltherak's Floating Island, Central Chamber, Leo's POV)
*PUSH*
*CRACK*
The doors to Moltherak's central chamber were forced open with a sharp, echoing crack as Leo shoved them apart without hesitation, the heavy stone panels groaning in protest as they scraped along the floor, announcing his arrival with the same raw aggression that had always marked his presence long before he ever learned to fear the fourth dimension.
Moltherak, who had been standing near the center of the chamber with his back turned, paused mid-motion as the sound reached him, one massive brow lifting slightly as he turned his head just enough to look over his shoulder, his golden eyes immediately locking onto Leo with quiet appraisal.
"Took you long enough to get back on your feet, boy," Moltherak said, as his voice echoed calmly through the chamber while his gaze swept over Leo from head to toe, taking in the steadiness of his stance and the tension coiled tightly beneath his skin.
Leo did not respond.
