Shannon's fist squeezed his cane until his skin blanched from the pressure. For a moment, it looked almost as if the aristocrat would strike him with it. The falcon's head ornament was crafted with a sharp beak; it could probably kill in a single strike. He didn't, though. The item remained steady at his side, and eventually he loosened his grip.
The noble dispatched one more onceover at the Ethaefal's perfect structure. Even having no sexual attraction to him, Shannon could appreciate the man's flawless body, angular features, and soft hair. It had made him jealous, but for the differences in their caste. What a waste. He was truly a work of art. "Men of conviction are my least favorite sort. " Huffing a disappointed sigh, he made for the door while he fished for the key inside his pocket. "Come, then, let's return you to where you belong."
A small noise erupted from Ares' throat. Her pale body shifted, still compacted upon the floor. Although Shannon heard it, he did not pause. The Konti grew more desperate.
"Master, please wait!"
He continued on. "Ares, I'm running out of patience with you."
"I don't want him to die!"
Shannon arrived at the door and stopped. The sigh that left his nostrils sounded more like a growl. For a moment, his head hung in what might have looked like defeat. Ares, still seated naked on the floor at the foot of the bed, watched him anxiously as she hugged her slender, pale knees. Finally, Shannon turned, his dusky eyes like pointed daggers as they set upon her. He said nothing; the darkness in his gaze demanded an explanation.
Ares took the cue and swallowed, looking down. "I know the Ebonstryfe comes for his master," she whispered desperately, her breathy voice sounding wet and crystalline. "Even now, torches are at the ready for the shop. If you bring him back now, he'll burn with the rest of that man's belongings."
Shannon's head dipped to the side. "This is true, and furthermore, it was the very point. You shouldn't know any of this."
"I have visions."
The noble rubbed at his eye. "Yes, I know. Tell me then, why don't you want this creature to die, and why should I care?"
Ares' silvered violet eyes, even at a moment like this, were still hollow and empty as they slid toward the Ethaefal. The barest hint of a smile pulled at the corner of her lip. Yet she seemed more to be looking through him, as if she saw something there behind his gentle eyes that not even he knew was there. A moment passed before the Konti worded her reply, so it was hurried by the sound of Shannon's cane impatiently hitting the floor.
"He is young and naïve. Faithful and strong by his standards, disillusioned and weak by yours. I can teach him how to live, how to obey. Please, Master, I can make him better. Allow me to speak with him. He can still be yours."
The noble turned his gray eyes to Zvi, his features remaining stolid. "I'm not impressed, Ares, but this room has become stifling. I will go for some air. You have five minutes."
When he left the room, the door locked behind him. Ares buried her face in her arms.