For several long seconds, Moltherak said nothing.
He simply regarded Leo with steady, ancient eyes, weighing the intent behind his words as silence stretched between them, before a low rumble escaped his chest and deepened into a slow, measured laugh that rolled through the chamber like distant thunder.
*Draconic Chuckle*
"After being imprisoned for so long," he began evenly, his voice carrying the weight of centuries, "I understand the price of freedom better than most beings in this universe."
His gaze remained locked onto Leo's.
"And for the role you played in returning that freedom to me, I will always acknowledge it. That debt is real, and it will not be forgotten."
He said with a warmth in his tone, however, that warmth did not linger for long, as it soon cooled into a chilly warning.
"But understand this clearly, boy."
Moltherak leaned back slightly, the faintest edge entering his voice.
