House Hydra: Ashton & Barclay & Open
"I am not--!" Ashton started, his anger flaring fresh again at Barclay's words. He hissed through his teeth and eyed the witch from head to toe. Maybe he was fascinated by him. Wary of his power, how great it was, the things he could do, certainly. But Barclay interested Ashton beyond that. He was curious to know why the boy had not already outed him as a dragon in disguise, why he kept it a secret, and especially what Barclay wanted from him to repay the favor he'd done.
What did the witch know that he didn't? Clearly a lot more than the dragon could imagine. He wanted that knowledge. He needed it.
The anger still simmering visibly on the surface, Ashton turned to retrieve his black shirt and faced Barclay again. "You need protection, witch? Very well. I will protect you if am able." He stepped in closer, his voice dropping again to a low growl, "If only for the satisfaction of one day ending you myself."