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Beside us, Dax has abandoned all dignity. He silently mouths exaggerated encouragement from the sidelines. "Move." Rhyven doesn't even acknowledge him.

Soren leans toward Caelen. "I'd pay to know what they're thinking."

Caelen watches us for a moment. "They're both trying to win."

"They haven't done anything."

"Exactly."

Eventually Rhyven speaks. Very quietly. "So." I blink. "You heard the professor."

"I know."

"You lose."

"So do you."

"I can live with that."

I study him. "Can you?"

"Usually." His expression remains impossible to read.

"I'm patient."

"I noticed." His voice is calm. Silence again.

Neither of us has moved. Professor Vayne glances in our direction. He does not intervene. The exercise continues.

Some students negotiate. Some plead. One wolf dramatically pretends to faint. His partner refuses to react. Rowan begins applauding silently. Professor Vayne closes his eyes for one brief second. When he opens them again, the wolf is still lying on the floor.

Professor Vayne steps over him without comment. The wolf eventually stands. Apparently dignity has limits.

Five minutes become ten. The room grows warmer. Not from exertion. From frustration. Several students are beginning to understand that the problem is not physical. It's psychological.

A siren finally lowers his shoulders. He smiles at the vampire opposite him. Then takes one deliberate step backward himself. The vampire looks confused. Professor Vayne raises one hand. "Reset."

The siren frowns. "I surrendered."

"You avoided the exercise." Professor Vayne argues. "I chose peace."

"You chose certainty." The siren blinks. Professor Vayne continues. "I asked you to influence. Not escape." The distinction settles over the room. Rhyven shifts his weight for the first time. Barely. "You're overthinking." I smile politely.

"I could say the same. You know..." He starts "Most people become uncomfortable after prolonged eye contact."

"I'm not most people."

"I noticed."

"What about you?" I ask.

"What about me?"

"You don't seem uncomfortable." I answer.

"I've had practice."

"Doing what?"