He spread his arms in an exaggerated welcoming gesture, the movement making his cloak billow slightly and revealing more of the blades strapped to his body.
"You can call me Vel. Short, simple, easy to remember!" That bright, cheerful voice never faltered. "My FULL name... well, that's for people I trust. And we're not quite there yet, are we? But Vel works just fine for now!"
The casual way he discussed trust while radiating killing intent was deeply unsettling.
"I know your name though, Darius. I know what happened three days ago. I know about the censure. The public apology. The humiliation."
Darius's claws flexed involuntarily.
"How..."
