Frank heard Cain's order, and although he was a little surprised by the suddenness of it and the cruelty he was being asked to perform, he raised himself off the ground and bowed to show that he understood. His body moved instinctively, driven by years of training and loyalty, even as his mind reeled at the implications of what was about to happen.
Turning to leave, he was startled by the sound of Cain's footsteps behind him. Frank had just turned back around when he saw Cain pass beside him, wearing the robe he usually wore in his quarters. The flowing fabric, dark and unadorned, swirled around Cain as he moved, exuding an air of quiet menace. Unlike before, when there had been a trace of weakness in Cain's gaze, there was now absolutely nothing to be found there—no fear, no hesitation, just cold determination. Then Cain spoke again, his voice sharper, harder.
