Page 102 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

Her eyes remained steady on mine, disappointment on the surface. But she gave a nod then rose on her tiptoes to give me a quick kiss on the mouth. It was simple and fast, but it still sent a bolt of lightning down my spine. I watched her walk away and disappear around the corner, and in that quiet moment, I felt an instant of self-reflection. This was the same woman who infuriated me like no one else ever had. Unremarkable. Annoying. A pain in the ass. But now…there were no words.

I checked in with my father’s commander and then was escorted to his chambers. He was already aware of my arrival because his soldiers kept an eye on the harbor. Instead of sitting in his armchair near the fire, he stood in the center of the room, fully clothed like he was ready for battle.

His stare wasn’t cold and indifferent. He was tense, like a single breath would turn his world upside down. “Where is Aurelias?”

The last time I saw him look this way…was when my mother died.

I was transported back in time, introduced to a man who had died a long time ago. One who was caring and kind, wore his heart on his sleeve. I didn’t realize how much I missed that man until I saw him again. “He’s alive. It’s a long story, but he chose to stay behind.”

He inhaled a deep breath, his body shaky for a single moment. He closed his eyes briefly then composed himself. “What happened?”

I told him the conditions that the Teeth had set. Aurelias needed to help them secure power in return for the venom. “I offered to stay in his place, but he insisted on making the sacrifice.”

“Because that’s the kind of man he is. Forever selfless. Forever loyal.”

I couldn’t remember the last time my father paid me a compliment of any kind. “We have the venom. After I return to Grayson and settle those matters, I will begin my voyage to the kingdoms.”

Now that he knew his favorite son was alive and well, he was back to his icy demeanor. “Good. The sooner the Ethereal are crushed beneath my boot, the sooner I’ll own this world.”

“I request your army in Grayson.”

“The battle hasn’t begun—”

“But it could come to us at any moment. It’ll take too long for you to travel. Last time we were attacked, Cobra barely made it in time to save us all. I won’t make that mistake again.”

His eyes were locked on mine, powerful in his midnight-black armor and cloak, his sword at his hip. When his men had informed him that Aurelias wasn’t in my company, he’d probably prepared to launch a thousand ships to their shores to avenge his son. The Ethereal were forgotten in his need for revenge. “I will send them shortly.”

I gave a nod. “I’m glad that you’re relieved I’ve returned.”

His eyes were like ice.

I waited for him to say something. Anything.

But there was nothing.

As more time passed, the harder it became to withstand. A father’s indifference was worse than his hatred. I walked out and didn’t wait for him to call me back.

* * *

Larisa’s eyes were glued to me the moment I entered the room. “That was fast—”

“Are you ready to go?”

“It’s been a long journey. Are you sure we shouldn’t stay a night and rest—”

“I don’t want to stay here a moment longer than I must.” I knew she felt my anger because it was a bonfire that had spread into a forest fire. It scorched the earth and everything around it.

She didn’t ask any questions. “Yes, I’m ready.”

We headed to the stables, grabbed the horses that I’d left behind months ago, and left Crescent Falls.

We rode until daylight disappeared and darkness moved in. I found the little cabin in the forest. I made a fire in the fireplace while Larisa took care of the horses, feeding them oats and making sure they had plenty of water. We silently delegated tasks to ourselves, working together like frequent travel companions…or spouses.

I knew Larisa was freezing, but she didn’t complain. She came into the cabin and kneeled down by the fire, letting the heat thaw her cold hands. She removed her gloves, and as the warmth crept into her flesh, she removed more articles of clothing, leaving her armor on the armchair.

I sat by the fire, the conversation with my father still fresh in my mind even though an entire day had come and gone. Larisa and I were finally alone together, truly alone, and before we’d left the ship, all I wanted to do was reunite in a fiery passion. But now, I felt no passion whatsoever. Just despair. Just anger.

She watched the fire and didn’t spark conversation. My waves of anger were probably hotter than the flames that cast shadows on the walls. She broke the silence with a whisper. “I’m sorry…”