He seemed committed to not taking the bait, but before Anton could push the gambit any further, a heavy arm landed over his shoulders.

“Morning, Prophet,” Hector said, his arm dripping water onto Anton’s shirt. “I was hoping I might get a word with you.”

Jude eyed them hesitantly.

“It’s fine, Jude,” Anton said. “You should try to find Penrose. I’ll catch up with you.”

Jude gave them one last inquisitive look before he made his way down the hill.

As soon as he was out of sight, Anton shrugged off Hector’s arm. “Hurry up and tell me what you want. I have a lot to do today.”

Hector tilted his head at Anton curiously. “You have nothing to be jealous of, you know.”

Anton stared at him, incredulous. “You think I’m jealous?”

“I mean—aren’t you?”

Anton probed the uncomfortable feeling that had been sitting in his chest. Jealous? He was just worried. He still didn’t trust Hector, not where Jude was concerned anyway.

Hector shook his head ruefully. “I still can’t quite wrap my head around it. You and him. But I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised—he does tend to pick the absolute worst people to fall for.”

“I’m not—” Anton stopped, taking in what Hector had said. “Wait. You knew he was in love with you?”

Hector shrugged, looking a little embarrassed now. “Jude’s … well, you know what he’s like. He’s not exactly great at deceiving people. Other than himself. So, yes. We never talked about it, but I knew. But whatever it is you’re worried about, don’t be. Me and Jude … we were never going to be anything other than what we are now. Friends. Brothers-in-arms.”

“Why would I be worried?” Anton asked petulantly.

“All the dirty looks and silent treatment might’ve tipped me off,” Hector said. “Not to mention how quickly you marched up here after us.”

Anton rolled his eyes. “Has anyone ever told you that you come off a little arrogant?”

“Many people,” Hector replied, as if this was a point of pride.

Anton crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not threatened by you. I’m worried you’re going to hurt him again.”

“Oh.” Hector looked a little stunned by this, like he hadn’t considered it.

“He would have done anything for you,” Anton went on, anger climbing up his throat. “Followed you to the ends of the earth. And you threw that away like it was nothing.”

Hector stared at him for a moment, blank. Slowly, he asked, “You really think that, don’t you?”

“I was there,” Anton replied, clipped. “I saw him wager the Pinnacle Blade and the torc of the Keeper just to chase after you.”