The black tunnel appeared a breath before Piers Southway stepped through, a sure sign something was up. When he was in more relaxed state of mind, the tall, blond, gray eyed leader of the Steam Union would saunter through with a grin on his full, wide lips, long hair swinging to his knees over one shoulder.
This Piers looked harried, dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot and red rimmed. I abandoned Max for my sorcerer friend, ignoring the flare of disappointment from the drach. I'd deal with him later.
He must have had the same thought. "Soon," he rumbled before the veil opened and he left, Jiao flitting along behind him. I let Max go, still shaken by his change in interaction, choosing to put Piers first.
Was that the problem? Duh, Syd.