Spectra's gaze fixed on him, attentive now in a different way.
"Rather than getting angry," he went on, "you should understand that this is a partnership. I'm not trying to cage you for the sake of it. I'm trying to keep you in a place where you can be useful without becoming a threat."
Spectra did not speak right away.
Then, to his slight surprise, she smiled and floated closer, fast. Like she was going to attack.
But Lancet, knowing it was a test, stood still, refusing to react.
Spectra stopped a hair's breath from his chest. She rose just enough that their eye lines nearly matched despite the fact that she was not standing on the ground properly anymore.
Her fingers lifted and gently touched his cheek.
The contact was cool and light, but it still made Lancet stiffen by instinct.
"Ooh," she murmured, "you are exciting."
Her gaze slid over his face as though she were studying a painting she was not yet sure whether she wanted to keep or destroy.
