Lorne shot to his feet. "Lucien," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "come with me. I need to talk to you."
But Lucien refused.
He remained lazily seated beside Ava, lounging comfortably, and replied with careless nonchalance, "Sorry, Lorne. I'm exhausted today. You heading off to take a piss or something? I think it's safe enough around here—I'll pass."
Lorne stood stiffly, staring at Lucien with unblinking intensity. Since they had left their hometown and begun wandering together, this was the first time Lucien had ever refused him.
His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. Then loosened. Then tightened again.
