He forced himself to take a calming breath, reminding himself to focus on the immediate danger rather than drowning in anger. But beneath the surface, he could feel jealousy simmering, pushed aside yet never truly silenced. He resented the way Auron spoke so confidently about Elowen, as if she were merely an object to be owned rather than a woman with her own heart and choices.
"Admiring my handiwork?" Auron asked suddenly, breaking the tense silence with that arrogant smirk still plastered across his lips. Even bound as he was, his voice dripped confidence, each syllable carefully chosen to irritate Mikhailis further. "You seem rather fascinated. Perhaps envy suits you."
