Leo stood in his chambers, freshly bathed, the midnight-blue coat hugging his frame with tailored precision, it's elegant yet designed for combat, it's dark fabric shining faintly in the lamplight. Nimbus leapt from the floor, dissolved into his shadow.
Rolling his shoulders, Leo strode into the manor's hallway, the coat flowing with his movements, ready for the action ahead.
As he walked, he caught sight of Maria standing in the corridor, her face pale, eyes filled with guilt. He intended to pass by, but her trembling voice stopped him. "Leonhardt… I heard you're going to bring Vivien back."
Leo paused, turning slightly, his crimson eyes meeting hers. "Yes."
Maria's hands twisted together, her voice barely above a whisper. "I treated you like you were nothing, not even human. Why are you risking your life for my daughter? You could walk away… leave us to our mistakes."
