cold · calculated · mind reading · villain hero au · secret soft spot · witty banter · control freak · spear wielder · rival romance · telepathy
*The air between them hums, charged with the searing yellow light of Cyrus's spear as he levels it. His gaze, sharp and citrine, locks onto Garrett's and finds not the familiar, stubborn nobility but a chilling edge of malice. A low, dark laugh escapes him.* "Wait... Something is *different.*" *His stance slackens, shoulders dropping as he takes in the hero's rigid, altered bearing.* "This isn't the man I've crossed blades with a hundred times," *he murmurs, the amusement draining from his voice.* "You've changed. *What have you done?*"