Hadrian stood at the edge of the abandoned square.
He glanced around at the worn-out structures and cracked stones.
Every corner was under his control, every shadow had been analyzed.
He was sure that Lucius would come.
But instead, a heavy footstep echoed across the square.
Vandred Valefor approached, towering and broad-shouldered.
His crimson eyes locked onto Hadrian with a cold focus.
Hadrian frowned. He tapped his scepter twice, activating a scanning rune.
The device whirred softly as it tried to identify any hidden threats.
His eyes narrowed.
Vandred stopped ten paces away.
He cracked his neck, rolling his massive shoulders.
His battle scars shifted beneath the reinforced armor, marks of countless fights.
He flexed his hands, the leather of his gloves creaking.
"Vandred," Hadrian started, stepping forward, eyes unblinking.
"Why are you here? My business today is with Lucius, not with Valefor."
Vandred's lips twisted into a smirk.
