Page 15 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“Always.” He gave a slight nod. “The soldiers are ready to ride.”

“Larisa and I will be traveling alone.”

His eyebrow cocked. “You think that’s wise?”

“The orcs and goblins are too busy recovering to be an issue. And last time we had our men accompany us, they almost killed Larisa and Fang. I prefer to do this alone.”

“And I’m decent with the sword,” Larisa added.

Viper’s eyes stayed on me. “Not that decent. And you know you’ll have bigger problems than orcs and goblins.”

“He doesn’t know she’s immune.”

“You’re going to gamble on Cobra keeping your secret? That’s a mistake.”

“Father won’t cross me.”

“You’re sure about that?”

I stared at him. “If it comes down to him or her, my choice is clear. He’ll see that.”

Larisa stayed quiet, listening to all of this, no doubt making a list of questions to ask me later.

Viper looked like he wanted to say more, but he changed his mind. “Be careful.”

“I always am.”

“No, you’re always reckless and stupid.”

“I prefer brave—”

“I mean it, Kingsnake. I’m meant to serve—not to lead.” He turned and walked away.

To lead is to serve, but no one understands that.

I do.

We left the city, grabbed our fresh horses from the stables, and then prepared for our journey.

“I get my own horse?” she asked.

“You need your own mount in case there’s peril.”

“Should I be worried about this peril?” She climbed up onto the horse and settled in the saddle.

“Not when you’re with me.” I felt Fang crawl up my leg and then the rest of my body, circling my torso and shoulders. In my weakened state, he had been too heavy, but now he felt like a scarf.Want a ride?

Pleassse.

“Follow me.” I clicked my heels into the horse and took off, Larisa behind me. We rode the horses into the wildlands, sheltered by the overcast sky, making the best of daylight until it grew dark. There were several preexisting campsites along our route, and I directed us to the first one on the journey.

It was a small cabin, big enough just for Viper and me, while the others made camp around the large bonfire in the center of the clearing. But it was just the two of us, so I carried our essentials inside and got the fire going so Larisa would be warm after she fed oats to the horses.

She walked in a moment later. “What is this place?”

“Pit stop.”

“I’m surprised it hasn’t been overtaken.”