Baron stared at her, knowing he'd slipped, but unwilling to retreat. Something about her made his instincts coil in warning - and in hunger.

He looked away again, dragging a hand through his hair. "Forget it," he muttered. "Just... keep it under control. Whatever that was. Hide it or you'll get in trouble."

He shoved the report aside, but didn't dismiss her.

Instead, his tone shifted, quieter now, rougher.

"Tell me something, Elyan."

She lifted her eyes, uncertain.

"When it ...