Lycus’s lips twitched, just barely, a fleeting reaction to the joke. But the humour didn’t sink in. Instead, a burning anger ignited deep within his chest. The mere thought of Barbara with someone else was like a punch to the gut. His jaw clenched so tightly that it seemed like his teeth might crack. His eyes darkened as the conflict swirled inside him. He turned away from Bian momentarily, trying to collect himself, but it was useless. The feeling was all-consuming. His fists trembled, and the tension in his body rose once again.
"Thought so." Bian’s voice broke the silence as he chuckled, his sharp eyes catching the grimace that twisted Lycus’s face at the mention of Barbara’s name. He stepped closer, but not too close, giving Lycus space to breathe.
"You should go to her," Bian said,
