"I don't even know how to thank you," Athex said, standing before him with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
He had met a different version of this man before—Avirin, the older one. That Avirin was gruff, silent, and carried an unshakable belief in his own strength. He was quick to anger, and doubting him was like stepping into a lion's den.
Athex had made that mistake once. He questioned Avirin's ability—and for three whole years, the man refused to heed any of his requests. Not even when his people were in danger.
But this young man in front of him? He was different. Much more open, far easier to talk to.
Adrian took off his coat and shook his head. "Just focus on protecting your people. Until now, I thought you were just a soldier—someone fighting for a nation, defending his homeland from invaders. But now, I see things differently."
There was no sense of pride or accusation in his voice—just honesty.
