As soon as Vlad finished his question, he immediately noticed complicated expressions surfacing on the faces of the Viking warriors before him. An ominous feeling assaulted his heart, sending chills coursing through his veins.
Angelo, the fierce Viking leader, stared at Vlad for a prolonged moment, seemingly hesitant to speak. He opened his mouth as if preparing to dismiss the inquiry entirely, but suddenly felt his entire body stiffen with an unsettling coldness.
Vlad's eyes, normally a deep, peaceful black with striking crimson irises, had changed entirely. They were now filled with an icy chill so intense that the air around him seemed to crystallize, turning nearly tangible.
Although Vlad typically radiated calm control, at this moment, he projected a profound and menacing sense of urgency.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, the small yellow cat perched comfortably on Vlad's shoulder—spoke calmly yet firmly, with a gentle smile masking the profound intensity in his gaze.
