The silence stretched, filled only by Fenrir's growls and the wet squelch of Luton devouring. Lyone stood rigid, trembling—not from fear of the beasts this time, but from Damien's judgment.
Then Damien's shoulders loosened with a sigh. His voice came softer, but no less sharp.
"You've grown bolder, Lyone. I'll give you that." He stepped closer until they stood face to face, torchlight flickering between them. "But boldness without restraint is suicide. Do you understand that?"
Lyone swallowed hard. His lips parted, closed, then opened again. "...Yes."
Damien's eyes held him for another long beat, then softened ever so slightly. He placed a hand on Lyone's shoulder.
"Good. Because you're not going back. Not yet."
Lyone blinked in shock. "W-what?"
