Trafalgar stood in the middle of the clearing, barely breathing.
He was facing a dragon.
Well—he looked like a man. Long black hair, eyes glowing purple, horns curling back from his temples like polished obsidian. But Trafalgar had seen his true form just minutes ago. The weight in the air hadn't vanished. It clung to Caelvyrn like a mantle.
They faced each other in silence.
Trafalgar's arms were relaxed at his sides, but his legs… they were shaking.
Caelvyrn noticed.
"You're afraid," he said casually, tilting his head.
Trafalgar let out a dry breath. "You can tell?"
"Well," Caelvyrn said, smirking, "your legs are trembling, and you've been blinking a lot. But don't worry, you can chill. I'm one of the nice ones."
Trafalgar raised an eyebrow.
Caelvyrn added, almost wistfully, "Although… I do remember how your father greeted me. Quite the welcome."
Trafalgar frowned. "My father…?"
