"Shit, he is so greedy," Ethan muttered through as his teeth clenched together while he walked beside Maximus on the academy grounds.
The stone pathway stretched ahead of them in neat geometric lines, bordered by trimmed hedges and quiet trees glowing under the fading evening light.
Students passed by at a distance, unaware of the storm brewing inside the two young men.
They had come here straight after their meeting with William, hoping the open air would cool their frustration.
Maximus stared at the tiled ground as he walked. "It's not like we have anything significant to offer him except our help," he said slowly. "And he clearly doesn't need that at all."
Ethan glanced at him and then looked away, his jaw tightened. He seemed to be turning something over in his mind.
The evening sun dipped lower, staining the sky in orange and faint purple. The world looked calm, but neither of them felt settled.
