Ivan gave a brief chuckle as he adjusted the collar of his newly conjured outfit. The way the golden fabric complemented the shimmer of his draconic features gave him the air of a true monarch—regal, formidable, and unmistakably changed.
"Time to make good on my promise."
He spoke with quiet resolve, turning toward the exit of his chambers. The doors responded to his presence with a soft hiss, golden light spilling into the room. His eyes, now tinged with faint reptilian brilliance, glinted with mischief and the faintest hint of amusement as he gestured for Lucian to follow.
"What?"
Lucian blinked, slightly thrown off, his mind still preoccupied with echoes of their brutal trial in the crater. He tilted his head, genuine confusion lining his features.
"Don't tell me you forgot already?"
Ivan paused just long enough for the jab to land.
"You're going to train my followers, obviously."
