Page 47 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

Kingsnake didn’t care about anything except his brother right now.

Hours passed, and we didn’t speak.

I could feel his terror. Feel his pain. Aurelias was his least favorite brother, but the love was still profound. It was momentous, like an earthquake. There was never a dip in his emotions, a constant stream of terror as he waited for his brother to recover from his comatose state. I wanted to say something to make this better, but my words would fall on deaf ears. My affection wouldn’t be welcomed either.

After a long time, he spoke. “Did you see what happened?”

“The yeti struck him against the tree.”

“And what were you doing?” His eyes remained on the fire.

“Trying to kill the yeti.”

“I told you to run.” He turned his pissed-off gaze on me.

“I know—”

“What part of that didn’t you understand?”

I should give him some grace because of his stress, but my fire unleashed. “If I ran off, Aurelias would be inside that yeti’s stomach right now. So, you’re welcome.”

He looked at the fire again.

I lowered my voice. “He just needs to rest. He’ll be alright.”

He ignored me.

I stared at the side of his face, seeing the consternation in his handsome features.

“I know he hasn’t shown his greatest qualities in your presence, but he’s an honorable man.”

“Even if he weren’t, you don’t have to justify your affection.”

The fire reflected in his eyes, the surface like mirrors. “If I return without him, my father will never forgive me.”

“It wasn’t your fault—”

“His favorite son perishes, and his least favorite son returns… His resentment will turn to hate.”

“He’ll wake up, Kingsnake. Just give him some time.”

* * *

When morning came, Aurelias finally stirred.

Kingsnake moved to his side. “Aurelias?”

I was roused from sleep by the sound of his voice. I sat upright immediately and looked over at the two of them.

Aurelias had opened his eyes, but his stare was out of focus and hazy. He looked at the sky past Kingsnake and blinked several times.

“Aurelias?” Kingsnake repeated.

His brother abruptly sat up, and his hand automatically moved to his forehead, like his head still hurt from the collision he’d had with the tree.

I noticed it right away—the color of his eyes.

They were green.