BENEATH METAL , eyes alight with fury. for a price he grants her safe passage. but money does not buy her the right to treat him with disrespect. in the midst of an explanation , she silences him with a single digit. the expanse of land is dangerous , but he knows it well. there is a path to be taken , but she hears little of it , and her hubris will get them both killed. he is silent , but his posture changes. tenses. under his helmet his jaw clenches. his movements agile , guided only by searing rage, he grabs the wrist that silences him. pulls it down and holds it with a grip so tight he’s sure she’ll bruise. his free hand comes up just under her jaw , armored fingertips digging into the flesh of her cheeks. he jerks her head upwards , leaning dangerously close. “ reach for your blade , EMPRESS “ a hiss , “ do me the favor “ he waits , presence imposing. shadows circle in challenge , bleed from the holes of his mask. and when he speaks it is low and pointed, “ i will leave you. you’re not worth the grief. do you hear me ? “ his grip tightens , “ don’t. speak. you listen to me now. “ he releases her , none too gentle. fingers curl. he still watches her , willing her to test him. finally , seemingly satisfied , he turns.