Raynor met Cassin's gaze, unreadable and steady. He knew this conversation was inevitable. Cassin Hale wasn't the type to let things slide—especially when it involved someone he distrusted.
The silence stretched before Cassin finally spoke. "You fight differently than before."
Raynor shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "People change."
Cassin's lips curled slightly, though it wasn't quite a smile. "Not this fast. And not like this." He stepped closer, voice lowering. "You've been keeping your head down since you returned, avoiding fights, avoiding everyone. And now? You're dodging blows like a trained duelist and landing strikes you wouldn't have dreamed of before."
Raynor tensed but masked it well. Cassin was sharp—too sharp.
"You're mistaken," Raynor said smoothly. "I just learned to adapt."
Cassin scoffed. "Adaptation doesn't explain how you suddenly hold your sword like you actually know what you're doing."
Raynor met his gaze evenly. "And what are you implying?"
Cassin studied him for a long moment. "That you're hiding something."
For a brief second, Raynor considered denying it outright, brushing it off as paranoia. But he knew that would only push Cassin further. Instead, he let out a quiet chuckle.
"And if I am?" he asked. "What are you going to do about it?"
Cassin's expression darkened. "That depends on whether whatever you're hiding puts Elana in danger."
Ah. So that's what this is about.
Raynor exhaled. "She isn't involved in anything."
"Then keep it that way," Cassin said coldly. "I don't trust you, Velcroft. I don't know what happened to you, but I see the way you move. The way you watch people. That's not just survival instinct—it's something else."
Raynor tilted his head. "And if I tell you to mind your own business?"
Cassin's jaw clenched. "Then I'll make it my business."
For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them was thick with tension.
Then, Cassin stepped back. "Stay away from her, Raynor. If you don't, I'll come for you myself."
Raynor watched as Cassin turned and walked away, the weight of the unspoken threat lingering in the air.
He let out a slow breath. So be it.
If Cassin wanted to see him as a threat, then Raynor would just have to make sure he had no weaknesses to exploit.