Knight Commander (4)

"To me, the one who lacks manners is not the one who speaks freely, but the one who eavesdrops on conversations they were never invited into. Isn't that right, mister Knight Commander?"

Reinhardt's glare sharpened, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword, but before he could lash out, Thaddeus raised a hand.

"Enough."

The single command, spoken without force yet carrying undeniable authority, anchored the moment in place. Reinhardt exhaled sharply through his nose, but he obeyed, stepping back.

Thaddeus' golden eyes, steady and unreadable, remained on Lucavion.

"I trust Reinhardt," he said, his voice even, absolute. "He is more than qualified."

Lucavion's smirk didn't falter. If anything, it curled at the edges, something knowing gleaming behind his dark eyes.