Julan was well trained in many tasks. Lying was not one of them, Janius found. In fact, Julan's distraction made it easy for Janius to see what was really bothering him.

"Part of any fight is an unknown element, especially with strangers," Janius explained. "You're prepared, though. We've taught you how to read your opponent..." Janius deliberately timed his words with Leeus' flourishes in the game before them. "...To see how they move. It's like a dance. You must predict what they'll do and make the most of it."

Once Janius confirmed where Julan's attention really was, he grinned. "Honestly, I'm relieved to hear you're just worried about the rite. I thought you might be having girl troubles."

[hr]
"Oh," Rhazii itched his shoulder. "Those are the expensive ones, huh. Right. Well, it's good to hear that it can be done without black souls."

Rhazii was silent for a while.

"Is there anything else I should know about it?" He asked. "If not...I would like to clean this blood off my shirt." He still sounded uneasy just glancing at it.