The flickering torchlight cast shadows over Volk's face as he stood tall amidst the wounded, weary horde.
His crimson eyes glowed faintly, their sharp gleam cutting through the lingering darkness like shards of molten iron.
The air in the cave was heavy—so thick with tension that every ragged breath, every subtle movement of the wounded, seemed to press against the walls.
The horde watched him with a mix of awe and uncertainty, their bloodied forms frozen in place as if the weight of his mere presence held them still.
Volk tilted his head slightly, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips as his gaze swept across the horde.
His voice came out deep, smooth, and deliberate—each word rolling like thunder, both calm and full of raw power.
"Your plans are good."
The warriors stirred slightly, pride flickering across their tired faces. It was rare for Volk to offer praise, and those two words carried the weight of a hundred compliments.