"Still," Luke insisted. "It means everything to me and to my clan. The Nightwalker bloodline was nearly extinct. Only my father and I remained. If he had died in that dungeon..."
He didn't finish the sentence. Didn't need to. The implication was clear.
"He's safe now," Arthur said simply. "And you're growing stronger. That's what matters."
Luke nodded. Then his expression became more determined. "I've been training hard not just to grow stronger, but to be worthy of standing beside you. To be useful when you need me."
"You're already useful," Arthur replied. "And you're already worthy. You don't need to prove anything to me."
"Still," Luke said. "I want to be someone you can rely on. Someone who can help you achieve your goals. A true subordinate. One that fulfills the Master's goals and that of my friend."
Arthur's expression softened slightly at those words. Friend. Luke considered him a friend, not just a superior or benefactor.
