His ash-grey mantle fluttered against the artificial heat of the volcanic realm, the leather-strapped hoodie pulled low over his featureless black iron mask. Every step he took left a faint, singed imprint on the dark stone.
Clack-clack-clack.
Rattle, rattle, rattle.
The frantic, violent chattering of his black-iron scabbard grew louder, vibrating against his hip like a wild beast starving to be let out of its cage. He didn't say a word. He simply raised his heavy gauntleted hand and pressed his palm flat against the pommel, suppressing the sword's frenzy while locking his unseen gaze onto Lexel.
Lexel didn't even shift out of his relaxed stance. He uncrossed his arms, cracking his knuckles one by one with a sharp, echoing pop, his razor-sharp smirk widening until his single fanged tooth caught the fiery glare of the lava streams around them.
---
