Leonard's eyes were fixed on the girl standing a few feet away from him. He did not blink. He did not shift. His gaze held her in place more effectively than chains ever could.
"Off to?" he asked, one brow lifting slightly.
The two simple words fell into the room with quiet weight.
Dydra trembled beneath his stare. Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs, so loudly she was certain he could hear it. Her thoughts scattered in every direction. What could she say? What excuse could she possibly offer that would not crumble the moment it left her lips?
"I–I…" The words died in her throat.
Her mind was blank.
"We are going to our tasks at—" Oryen began quickly, stepping half a pace forward as though to shield the girl.
"I wasn't speaking to you," Leonard interrupted calmly, not sparing the old witch a single glance.
The quiet authority in his voice cut sharper than a shout.
