"If it really is a creature of the Highest Order, fighting in the dorm's cramped corridors could mean casualties," Leon said. "And I'm not making mistakes because of emotions."
After that, Natalia stared at him for a long moment, like she was checking whether he actually meant what he'd just said.
"There could still be dozens of students in that dorm," she said at last, her voice lifting. "Hundreds, even. They're not 'abstract people.' They're students. Just like us."
Her tone wasn't cold anymore. It was tight.
"If we know they're there… it's our responsibility to save them."
Leon's brow furrowed slightly.
"Our?" he echoed, calm.
He looked at her without provocation, but without giving ground either.
"And what about me?" he asked.
He still didn't raise his voice.
"Honestly, my number one goal in this world is survival. Walking straight into a lion's mouth just because 'it's the right thing to do' doesn't strike me as a reasonable plan."
The air between them thickened.
