The Iron Dogs streamed into the barracks. Hugh stood still and stared at the crest. Elara halted next to him. He didn’t say anything. She leaned forward to get a look at his face. A smug smile curved her lips. It touched off something inside him, something new he couldn’t quite grapple with. “What are you thinking about?” she asked. “I’m picturing cutting your head off with these scissors.” Elara laughed and walked out of the barracks.
