Jack met the chosen one's gaze steadily, feeling the weight of ancient power flowing through him. The raven on his shoulder shifted slightly, its supernatural eyes reflecting the chamber's light like tiny stars.
"Apparently not as forbidden as you thought," Jack replied calmly.
Sera's grin widened until it was almost feral, revealing teeth that were perhaps a touch too sharp to be entirely human. "Now that's interesting. Tell me, dragon slayer, what else have you learned during your stay in our lovely palace?"
Before Jack could respond, Lyra stepped forward with fluid grace. Her bow toward the throne was perfect, respectful, precise, and utterly without warmth.
"Your Majesty," she said, her voice carrying across the chamber with crystalline clarity, "if I may suggest, perhaps the details of Lord Kaiser's abilities should be discussed in a more... private setting."
