Ethan swallowed the tasteless gruel, keeping his eyes fixed on the tray, but his mind was anchored on the sight of Jason. The humiliation inflicted upon his bodyguard was a direct message. The question drilled into Ethan's mind: Why hadn't they done anything to him this morning? His rapid healing must have raised suspicion. Were they waiting for the perfect moment?
Slowly, Ethan raised his gaze and found Jason's swollen eyes across the crowd. Jason returned to a look of steel, a slight nod, a silent communication that said: I'm okay. Don't move. It's not worth it.
Ethan took a final bite of his gruel, his mind focused on control, even as he monitored Jason. He had decided on patience, knowing he couldn't risk his cover for a minor skirmish.
But Lexington's guards weren't interested in a minor skirmish. They were interested in breaking the spirit of the two men who had humiliated a prosecutor.
