The Choice of Loyalty [Part-3]
A wry smile pulled at the edge of his lips, parched, self-mocking. "Did you just question a vanquished man — the same man you came so close to incinerating — for loyalty?"
Leon's gaze did not falter. He didn't blink even once. His words struck like a pure punch. "Your ears are working well, old man. I spoke distinctly."
The corners of Aden's mouth quivered. A faint, bitter laugh escaped — neither quite humor, nor quite pain, something hollow in between. His shoulders shook as he said, "Loyalty, huh… you really are a strange one."
His tone became grimmer, the brim of something tired edging in, but not cruel. "But say this to me, Leon — why should I pledge allegiance to a man who'll devastate my nation? You'll be sitting over the same earth my men gave their lives to save. What sort of guardian would that make me?"
