Lucian left his quarters.
Kaelis rested coiled around his shoulders, scaled body shrunk down to fit like a mantle. The dragon's weight wasn't heavy—it was presence, molten eyes glowing faintly with pride as they moved.
The hall stretched ahead, dim lights humming in rhythm with the Nova Sanctum's core.
Lucian passed the detention wing. The sealed door shimmered, and behind it Karl sat cross-legged, his wrists still bound by glowing restraints. He looked up at the sound of steps. His grin was instant—mocking, sharp. But then his eyes landed on Kaelis.
The dragon turned its head, gaze locking with his.
Karl's breath caught. His grin faltered. For the first time since Lucian had known him, Karl's head lowered instinctively, as though the weight of Kaelis's stare pressed his neck down.
Lucian didn't slow. He only spoke as he passed. "Don't test him."
Kaelis rumbled, amused. Karl said nothing.
