Chapter 26: The Stirring Shadows [1]

Startled, the man looked at Ardyn, and then back at Leon. He flicked his gaze back and forth between them, as if he wasn't sure what to do.

"I just thought this lad looked a bit familiar. I apologize. I may have come on too strong," he said.

The man stepped back, and Ardyn could feel his stiff shoulders loosen.

"I'm sorry, too. It's just that..." Ardyn glanced at Leon, who bowed his head even more. "My friend here is really shy around strangers, and also..."

He stepped forward and leaned closer to the man, as if he were about to reveal a secret.

"He has this scar on his face that he's ashamed to show to anyone but us, so please excuse him if he covers up more than other people."

"Oh!" The man's eyes widened in understanding. "I see, I see. Oh, how rude of me. I didn't mean to..."