(A few hours later, Planet Juxta, Commander Charles's Office, Leo's POV)
Leo could feel the tension settle thickly between them as he sat across from Charles in the cramped office, the military commander looking far more severe than usual.
Charles's gaze cut into him with sharp, unwavering intensity, stripping away every layer of pretense until Leo felt exposed to the marrow of his soul, as though the man's very eyes were declaring, 'I know what you did, and I know what you're trying to hide.'
"What's wrong, Commander, why are you looking at me like that?" Leo asked at last, his tone calm but guarded.
Charles rolled his eyes with deliberate exaggeration, though his voice when he spoke was low and gravelly.
"Boy…"
He leaned forward slightly, the weight of his presence filling the room.
"Why did you kill the Twelfth Elder?"
