All eyes drifted toward Leon as he stepped toward the Dowager.
The angle of his approach painted the scene with an implication none of them wanted to linger on, but that wasn't what froze the crowd.
They heard him clearly.
He wanted to give her something. A gift of thanks for a compliment she knew she never gave.
Everyone here understood it wasn't about a compliment anyway.
Leon's face carried that easy, casual look he liked to wear, but beneath it sat a seriousness that pulled the air taut.
The Dowager didn't hesitate.
Her chin lifted with quiet confidence as she answered,
"I accept your thanks."
Leon's smile touched the corner of his mouth a heartbeat before corruption surged through him.
It rolled out like a tidal wave, thick and heavy, reaching all the way up the sky. His squadmates stiffened.
The people of Pandora stared, breath trapped in their lungs.
The Dowager who was closest to the source, felt it most.
