Art tore his eyes from the woman’s face to again confront the man in front of him. Though the heat in the room was palpable, Milos seemed to have calmed down. He was staring intently at the woman, looking almost apologetic, even though his muscles were tense and sweat continued to pour down his face. The orange glow of his hands had faded.

Though Art didn’t think the guy would take a hit with the girl so close, he still kept himself firmly angled in front of her, fists by his sides. Art’s internal struggle betrayed his collected posture. He had never witnessed another person with an abnormal glow, and now there were two in the same room with him. The energy in the air was overwhelming, and while grappling with the idea that he wasn’t alone, he was also hyper aware of the danger they were all in if the tension didn’t recede. The hound was close, and the last thing Art needed was an all out brawl.

Milos still didn’t speak. The girl pushed around Art to face him head on. Before she could speak again, the bartender chimed in.

“Milos, people are staring. Cool off and head home.” the bartender said firmly, nodding at the woman next to Art, assuring her he had it handled.

Milos looked up at Art, contemplating his next move. Art clenched his fists, just in case. He felt his phone vibrate again.

“Yeah, fine. I’ll go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Rams.” He shoved the bartender out of the way, stalking off through the exit.

At the same time he walked out the door, Art felt a cool breeze blow through the bar.

The bartender turned back to Art and the woman.

“Well, that was exciting. You okay, man? And you, Ramsey?”

Art looked down at the girl as she shrugged, slowly loosening her stance.

“I’m fine.” Art said. “Thanks. I’m not sure what that was about.” He felt his throat open with the new cool air. The blue mist around the girl, Ramsey, swirled lazily and left a chill in the air around her. This close, he could see how it wrapped around her delicately, just barely moving her hair as it ebbed and flowed to match her energy.

“Me neither, but it could be anything with that guy. I’m Deon, by the way.” He stuck out his hand and Art shook it firmly.

“Arête. But you can call me Art.”

“Well thank God for that because I’d never say it right. This is Ramsey.” Deon nodded his head towards Ramsey, a huge, dopey smile on his face.

She looked up at Art, giving a small, sad smile. “Hi. I’m so sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” he said, smiling down at her. “Do you know him? He was, uh, telling me to leave you alone.”

She looked startled but then sighed deeply. “Yeah, we work together. He’s a...good friend. Probably just had too much to drink. I really am sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, it’s not on you.” Art grinned and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Immediately realizing he was making physical contact, Art jerked a bit and put his hand in his pocket.

“Well...” Deon interrupted, grinning wildly at the two of them. “Shall we head back to the bar? Or do you want to stand in the middle of the room smiling at each other all night?”

Ramsey flushed bright red and abruptly turned to walk towards the bar. Art grinned to himself as he followed her.