Loyalty Is a Choice
Leon's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why not kill you?"
Max's hollow smile returned, but this time it didn't reach his eyes.
"Because he knew who we were."
Leon didn't blink. "Guardians."
Max nodded once.
"He knew we guarded something he wanted. Something older than our village. Older than him."
"The true treasure," Leon said quietly.
"Yes."
Leon stepped closer, just slightly. "And you refused."
Lux met his gaze without flinching. "We refused."
Rex added, voice steady despite the tremor beneath it, "He tried to break us. Promised to spare what remained of our people if we spoke."
Max's fingers curled against his palm.
"We didn't."
A weight filled the space, thick like smoke after a fire. Not terror, yet not light either - something tighter. A knot of choice sat there, pressing down. Regret mixed into it, along with quiet strength. Each breath seemed to carry more than before.
