Ajax's POV
The woods pulse with familiar energy tonight.
Ajax and Sean have been moving along the perimeter for close to an hour, their boots making soft sounds against the wet ground. Usually these rounds pass without incident, just routine checks. But after the recent chaos with hunters, the toxic substances, the close calls, there's an underlying tension that lingers beneath the surface calm. They stay sharp without being anxious, aware but not fearful.
Philip's earlier conversation keeps replaying in Ajax's mind. The rawness in his voice. The weight lifting from Ajax's own chest.
Sean breaks the silence, his voice cutting through Ajax's thoughts. "You're more withdrawn than normal," he observes. "And considering you barely talk anyway, that's saying something."
Ajax makes a low sound. "Processing things."
Sean throws him that knowing look, the one that's half challenge, half amusement. "Dangerous territory."
"Bite me."
