"It's not a bad thing," Nolan said quietly, his eyes reflecting the faint glow of the setting sun. "Strength means nothing if you have no one to protect, love, or care about. The people you care for… they're what make you stronger. And if I don't speak kindly to someone, it only means I don't care about them. I know I'm strong—strong enough to destroy a nation. But you're not human, Damian. You wouldn't understand."
A soft breeze brushed past, carrying dust and tension through the air.
"Maybe I don't," Damian admitted, lowering his gaze. "But you're right. Still… you're powerful enough to rule if you wanted to. Yet you choose kindness, even toward someone like me." He gave a faint, wry smile. "I'll say no more."
Nolan's expression hardened slightly. "Let's not talk about this anymore."
There was a strange weight in his tone—quiet, but absolute. Damian nodded and followed behind him without another word.
