Neither of them spoke on the way back to their chambers. Cherion stayed close beside Zarius, one hand lingering at his back.
Cherion and Zarius parted ways with Reiner, Ezek, and a thoroughly drained Gillian. Cherion said little, offering them only a tired nod before leaving with Zarius.
As they walked down the hallway, Cherion found himself watching Zarius far more than the path ahead. The Duke hadn't said a word since parting ways with the others, and that alone was enough to set off every alarm bell in Cherion's head. Zarius wasn't exactly chatty on a good day, but this was different. His jaw was clenched so tightly a muscle kept twitching near his cheek, and he looked like he was trying to wrestle a dozen thoughts into submission without letting a single one escape. Seriously, blink twice if you're about to declare war on someone, Cherion thought.
