The Weight of Being Chosen
Cassidy crossed her arms, giving Rias a look that was almost challenging.
"And don't even think about backing out now. That'd be annoying."
A small ripple of quiet laughter passed through the group—not loud, not overwhelming—but enough to ease the tension just a fraction.
Rias let out a breath.
Long.
Heavy.
She looked back at Leon.
"…And you?"
There it was.
Not doubt in them—
But in him.
Or maybe… in what he saw in her.
Leon didn't answer immediately.
He stepped closer.
Close enough that his voice didn't need to be loud.
"You think I chose you because it's easy?"
The space between them tightened. The air shifted.
Rias's eyes flickered, just slightly.
Leon's gaze didn't waver.
"I chose you because you won't let this kingdom fall."
A pause.
"Even if you doubt yourself."
The words didn't hit like a command.
They settled.
Slow.
Heavy.
Like something sinking deep where it couldn't be ignored.
Rias felt it.
Not on the surface—
