"Do you two know each other?"
Old Vine had been watching the sharp tension rising among them after barely two exchanged sentences. Clearly confused, he stepped in, hoping to smooth whatever strange mood had suddenly filled the room.
"Grandpa, that's him. That's the jerk I told you about; the one who bullied my sister and me yesterday."
Firebrand had seen the flash of anger on the Knight's face, and the sight sent her heart into an unsteady rhythm; a messy blend of fear, guilt, and a fresh surge of indignation. Tears threatened at the corners of her eyes, and for one terrifying second she nearly let everything slip, nearly gave herself away.
Old Vine's question saved her. She steadied her breathing, pressed her emotions back down, then shifted her gaze away from Marcus entirely, too flustered to meet his eyes. Instead, she clung to her grievance and her grandfather like a shield.
"..."
