<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="font-size: 15px">Sebastian raised an eyebrow at Ayaan's bold words. His voice barely even trembled, which was impressive, but Sebastian could easily catch the subtler hints of Ayaan's fear. His eye were wide and far too alert for the setting, his hands fidgeting in the blankets restlessly. <br/>
<br/>
Maybe it wasn't Sebastian in particular that he was afraid of, but the repercussions of what Sebastian represented. That would make sense. Lydia had been cruel to him in the past, of that there was no mistake. And her possessiveness of Ayaan was no secret, either. Ayaan would expect her cruelty from a situation like this. What he did not expect was for Sebastian to protect him. But Sebastian had already made the vow to himself to keep Ayaan safe, from here on out, whatever the means. <br/>
<br/>
That didn't just mean keeping him safe from Lydia. That meant keeping him safe from Sebastian as well. Sebastian could just as easily hurt him if he moved to quickly. Everything had to be slow and telegraphed. Brainwashing was a hard and treacherous thing to undo.  <br/>
<br/>
Sebastian reached up slowly, cupping his palm gently against the side of Ayaan's neck. He could feel the boy's rabbit-fast pulse fluttering against his skin. His lips quirked up in his familiar smile and he stroked a thumb across the delicate skin of Ayaan's threat. <br/>
<br/>
"Your heart says otherwise," he murmured, keeping his voice quiet in an effort to be soothing. He wasn't sure how effective it was. "Is it me that frightens you? Or someone else? Some<i>thing</i> else?" </span></span>