"You hold a significant place in her eyes, Orion. She respects you. She'll be willing to serve under your command."
Alexander leaned in, his voice dropping to a gravelly murmur. "Help me sharpen her. Don't let her fall behind."
Truth be told, Alexander was anxious about Isabella's stagnation. He had watched Kraken and Makareth ascend to the rank of Arch Lord, leaving her in their wake. Now, with the arrival of Tangere—a newcomer wielding impressive power—the pressure was mounting. If Isabella was surpassed again, the psychological blow could be devastating.
The chasm between one's ambition and reality often drove people to extremes. Alexander's mind drifted to dark memories: Witch and Clown. Those two hadn't betrayed the team out of malice, but out of a desperate, twisted need to advance. He didn't want Isabella walking that same path.
Orion didn't offer a speech. He simply nodded, accepting the request.
