Max did not smile.
He stopped in the air before the several dragons rushing toward him, watching the joy continue spreading across their faces as they recognized him. He wanted to share in their happiness, or at least give them the reaction they expected from their returning king, yet he could find nothing like that within himself.
Max attempted to force a smile, but the expression forming upon his lips appeared cold and sinister, as though he was looking down at enemies rather than his own people. He quickly gave up and allowed his face to become emotionless once again.
"It really is him! It's the king!" shouted the first dragon who had rushed into the sky.
His voice quickly reached those below. The guards stationed upon the crystal walls noticed the commotion, and the uproar began spreading through Blackspire like fire through a dry forest, moving from one street to another without control.
