The fire in the village square burned low, its light flickering across the bound figures slumped against one another. Their chests rose and fell in shallow rhythm, the sleeping agent slowly fading from their systems.
Lucian stood still, arms crossed, his golden eyes watching the smallest twitch in their muscles.
Beside him, Verus shifted restlessly, every few moments glancing from Lucian to the unconscious villagers.
It was Verus who finally broke the silence.
"…Why me?"
He asked quietly.
Lucian didn't look at him.
"What?"
"Why do you keep me by your side? Why not Berry? Or Mira? You've known them longer. Trusted them longer. Yet when it comes to things like this… you tell them to leave, and you keep me here."
Lucian turned his head just slightly, finally letting his gaze settle on the younger man. There was no malice in his eyes—only a faint, almost pitiful look.
"I don't trust you, Verus."
Verus froze.
"What?"
