Adam looked straight ahead, refusing again to meet Ronan's eyes. "If I ask you not to fight him, will you try?" he asked, quietly.

Once, long ago, that had been all that it took. Adam had earned his place at Ronan's side throughout their childhood because he could persuade Ronan when no one else could, because Ronan had behaved for him.

But then Ronan had left, and Adam had lost all power over him. Now he was only Ronan's servant.