The autumn air was cool and crisp. A halo ringed the moon, and the stars were dim.
Sebastian Lockwood followed Ryder Sharp to a corner of the compound. The light was faint here. An occasional night breeze rustled the leaves, casting a web of dim, shifting shadows that layered a grim austerity over Ryder's already cold and impassive face.
Ryder Sharp's first words were:
"I suspect you've been using my friendship."
Sebastian Lockwood adjusted his glasses and gave a low cough.
As his good friend, spiriting away his sister was one thing.
But doing it behind his back, right under his nose… that left him with a guilty conscience.
"Sharp…"
"Don't call me that!"
Hearing that nickname now made Ryder feel like he was being torn apart.
He remembered how genuinely happy he had been when Sebastian had been willing to call him 'Bro'. Now, every time he heard it, it felt like a reminder of how foolish he'd been.
"Then what should I call you?" Sebastian shot back.
