She gestured toward a dark corner of the room. Their gaze snapped to the right, drawn by the sudden presence of a young man casually leaning against the wall. Dressed in deep emerald, his attire was anything but ordinary–his cloak draped down on his back almost like a tail. While his gloves and boot are embedded with sharp, claw-like extensions at the fingertip and toes. As the dark brown hair compliments his emerald attire. His presence exuded an effortless confidence, as though he had been there all along, simply waiting for them to notice. Despite the weight of their stares, he remained completely unfazed. His expression was unreadable, his hand tucked lazily into his pockets, giving him an air of intrigue. His eyes–an intense yellow–held an almost hypnotic quality, as if he were sizing them up, waiting for something to happen.
They exchanged uncertain glances, silently questioning what this meant. Had he been standing there the whole time? If so, he showed no sign of impatience or urgency. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Starfania took a step forward and said, " Who are you? And why have you brought us here? "
The young man remained motionless for a few beats, his posture relaxed yet carrying an undeniable weight of presence. His brown eyes flickered toward Starfania, slow and deliberate, as if measuring every word before deciding whether to respond. The intensity of his gaze sent a chill down her spine, but she held her ground. A smirk ghosted across his lips, barely noticeable, before he finally spoke.
" You ask a lot of questions for someone locked in a cell. " His voice was smooth, carrying a hint of amusement beneath the seriousness. Aeron stepped forward, gripping the iron bars tightly. " Don't play games. If you know why we're here, tell us. "
The young man sighed as if mildly inconvenienced. He shifted, pushing himself off the wall and stretching his arms before slipping his hands back into his pockets. The tail-like attachment of his outfit swayed slightly with his movement.
" Fine, " he muttered, tilting his head. " You're here because you were captured. Obviously. "
Violet huffed. " We figured that out. By who? And why? "
The young man's smirk deepened as he took a slow step forward, his boots barely making a sound against the stone floor. " Now those… are more interesting questions. "
" Let's start with the first question, " Starfania said. " Who are you? "
He paused, then gave a slight bow, the gesture mocking rather than respectful. " I am known by many names throughout Avalon. Emerald Warden, Stormfang, Jade Sentinel, or the Basilisk King. But you may know me as Lyam, leader of the Primara Nation. "