Then Granite stood—his full height making even the massive stone platform seem small.
The tribe collectively held its breath as their chief descended from the platform—each step deliberate, measured, the sound of his footfalls like distant thunder rolling down the mountain.
He stopped three paces from Alex.
This close, the size difference was staggering.
Granite towered over him, broad enough to eclipse the firelight, powerful enough that Alex could feel the raw strength radiating from him like heat.
But Alex didn't step back.
He met Granite's eyes steadily—not challenging, not submissive. Just... present.
"You speak well," Granite said quietly, voice low enough that only their small group could hear clearly.
"You understand politics, strategy, the weight of leadership." His hazel eyes studied Alex's face with unsettling intensity. "You're not like other bearers I've met."
[OH NO. OH NO NO NO. HERE WE GO.]
"I've had unusual experiences," Alex said carefully.
