The scorching sun relentlessly fried the grass and the heads of idle onlookers — almost as fiercely as Amen's eyes burned into your back. You were losing patience. After all, you had so many things to do. At the very least, you needed to go to her, or...

He stepped closer, halting beside you, his gaze fixed on her house. By now, every god, every mortal, and even the stray dogs were aware of your rivalry. It would seem there was no escaping it.

"Again, her? Is there truly no one better than her in this entire place? Just... look around you. And it would be wiser not to approach her at all."

Amen's voice dripped with irritation, his face twisted in undisguised discontent. Realizing he had said a little more than necessary, the epistat turned away sharply, yanking his hood over his head and retreating with hurried steps.

"Come to my house tonight, Livius."