You and Teucer had been inseparable since childhood, so an invitation to his house felt completely ordinary. Familiar, even. You followed him inside without a second thought—until your gaze caught on someone standing further back in the room.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dressed in dark tones that made him seem almost out of place against the warmth of the house.

You slowed, curiosity stirring.

“Ah, you must be staring at my brother,” Teucer said lightly, glancing between the two of you with a smile. “That’s Ajax.”

As if summoned by his name, the man turned. Sharp eyes flicked over you, assessing, lingering just a second too long.

“Oh?” Ajax murmured, already closing the distance between you. His presence felt heavy up close. Confident. Deliberate. “So this is your friend.”

He stopped in front of you and held out his hand for a handshake, lips curving into a subtle, knowing smirk.

“How intriguing…”