Damien barely heard Darius at first.

The ring on his finger caught the light as he moved, a dull silver glint that shouldn’t have mattered. Yet his eyes kept drifting to it. His thumb brushed over the surface without thinking. The metal felt colder than usual.

“Damien,” Darius said again, firmer this time. “I said I need to talk to you.”

Damien blinked and finally looked up.

“About what?” he asked.

Darius frowned. “You’re not listening.”

“I am,” Damien replied ...