By the time Lucas and Tom reached the outer command area, a small clearing had already formed around the two men. A few soldiers lingered at a distance, not close enough to intrude, but close enough to observe. It was not curiosity alone that kept them there, it was presence.
The two men stood side by side, both composed, both carrying themselves with the quiet weight of power that did not need to be announced. Their posture was relaxed, yet there was something deliberate in the way they held themselves, as if they were fully aware of the impression they created.
And then there was their expressions.
Arrogance.
Not loud, not exaggerated, but clear enough in the slight tilt of their chins, in the way their eyes moved across their surroundings without truly acknowledging anything beneath them. It was the kind of confidence that came from knowing one's own strength and believing it to be unquestionable.
Lucas slowed slightly as he approached, observing without reacting.
