Lucen let that hang in the air before replying, softer now. "'Then you'll just have to keep watching my back, won't you?'"
Varik finally looked at him, expression unreadable in the half-light. "That's the problem."
Lucen arched a brow. "'Problem?'"
"You don't need me to."
That earned a short laugh, sharp and amused. "'And yet you're still here. Maybe you like playing the watchdog more than you admit.'"
Varik didn't answer.
Lucen let the smirk linger anyway, though something thoughtful flickered in his gaze as they walked. He tilted his head up toward the night sky, the faint glimmer of stars barely visible past the glow of the city.
"'So she'll keep circling,'" he murmured. "'Let her. Wolves circle too. Doesn't mean they ever get close enough to bite.'"
Varik's voice cut through steady, quiet. "She will."
Lucen dropped his gaze back down, smirk curling sharp once more. "'Then I'll just bite first.'"
