Guardians of the Unknown
Leon's fingers tapped once against the armrest. "And Gary wanted it."
"Yes."
"For power?"
"For control."
Lux's voice trembled, but she didn't look away this time. "He believed something was buried beneath the seal. Something sealed away intentionally. Something that could extend his lifespan."
The air seemed to grow colder.
Leon did not react outwardly.
But inside—
He understood.
Gary feared death.
Feared decline.
Feared the day his name would be spoken in past tense.
"So he came to negotiate?" Leon asked softly, though there was no softness in his eyes.
Max let out a humorless breath. "He demanded access."
"And when you refused?"
Max's voice roughened. "We told him the seal existed for a reason. That whatever lay beneath it was not meant to be disturbed. That some doors, once opened, cannot be closed again."
Rex's hands curled into fists. "He didn't care."
Leon's gaze sharpened. "You refused him."
"Yes."
"And he destroyed you."
