The air around them shifted when the man appeared.
Julien inclined his head just enough to remain courteous.
"Excuse me," he said.
"You're causing a scene."
His posture didn't change, but the pressure did.
"This hybrid is under the vampires protection. Please move along."
A pause.
"Now."
The man scurried back the moment he realized who now stood between him and the hybrid.
"G-General Julien…"
Even a spoiled noble like him knew better than to test his luck here. His grin turned stiff, polite to the point of awkwardness. "I—I'm sorry, General. I didn't know. I'll move away. I won't disturb you."
He retreated quickly, painfully aware of the many eyes now fixed on him—the whispers already spreading about the noble who had nearly harassed the peace envoy's beloved hybrid.
Sylene bowed at once, relief softening his posture. "Thank you, General," he said sincerely. "You helped me again."
Julien didn't answer immediately.
