You don't have to like her

Danger.

That was what Mint felt the second she turned. The smile on her face quickly disappeared in the blink of an eye, her survival instinct kicking in. But alas, before she could even make a move, a hand suddenly grabbed the hand that was coming at her.

Mark stood between Zoren and Mint, holding Zoren's arm. His grip was tight enough to stop Zoren, but he was certain it would at least leave a mark.

"Sir," Mark called quietly, squeezing Zoren's arm to snap him back from his trance.

After a second, Zoren blinked, and the life in his eyes returned. He glanced at Mark, then at Mint, whose lips curled into a cunning smirk.

"There's something in her hair," was all Zoren said as he put his hand down. "I was about to take it out since it bothered me. It's gone now, though."