isn't it byronic

That brings a ripple of tension into his shoulders and neck. Perhaps it's the spy training that's left him deeply paranoid, or perhaps it's the wariness of a kid who constantly got his ass kicked who grew up into a man who constantly gets his ass kicked, but he can't hear something like that and not stress a little. Even from this source. Hell, maybe especially from this source - Athessa is of the sort of character where he wouldn't be shocked if she hit him one day.

"And that is?"