Just then, another portal rippled into existence—though smaller, more controlled, almost casual in the way it unfurled.
From it stepped a man with neatly tousled black hair and deep blue eyes with gear-shaped pupils that gleamed. He wore a tactical-looking outfit, its dark plates and layered fabrics blending into a long black trench coat. A stylized gear symbol was emblazoned on his back, and small devices clicked and whirred quietly at his belt.
Unlike the dragon generals before him, he moved with an easy, almost lazy grace. As he approached Alister, a relaxed smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
The audience began to murmur at once.
"Who is that…?"
"He doesn't look like a dragon…"
"A human? Here, with them?"
Draven's head turned slightly, but he made no move to interfere. The stranger merely offered Alister a low, respectful bow.
