The Courtyard: Alex, Ashton, Barclay & OPEN
Ashton's cold fury was focused on Alex and he was keenly aware of the fact that they were in the courtyard, surrounded by others including staff lurking somewhere, and that he would get into serious trouble if he acted on his initial reaction that involved hurling Alex into the castle wall. He stood there, trembling with outrage as Alex proceeded to mock him by imitating him.
It was almost enough to trigger him into action when Alex, in that ridiculous voice, said that he needed his witch to solve all his problems. "You fool," he began with a snarl, taking a step forward to make Alex regret the words. He was stopped by Barclay's voice coming up behind him and Ashton turned his head slightly to look back. Alex was lucky Barclay had arrived. The presence of the witch had checked the dragon's movement with intent and Ashton stood taller, waiting for Alex to give him one more reason, one more push to lash out at him.