Page 18 of A Rose Among Snakes

Velian pulled a penknife out of his pocket, flicking it open, and cut a leaf off the plant I had been inspecting before he announced himself. He scored the leaf along the side and opened it to reveal the clear gel inside. When he offered it to me, I kept my gaze trained on the plant as I took it, careful not to touch his skin. I stared at the plant, unsure of what to do next.

As if sensing my hesitation, Velian said, “You rub the clear part on your burn.”

I did as he said and nearly sighed at the instant cooling relief.

Velian put the knife back in his pocket, his lips twitching as he watched me. “Is that helping?”

“Yes, very much. Thank you.”

“Of course. Go ahead and help yourself to as much as you need. There’s plenty here.”

I made to leave when he took another step closer and crossed his arms, his elbows falling just below my shoulders. I had to tilt my head back to look at his face.

“Did that happen while you were out with my sister?” His tone was soft, but the charm had been replaced with an air of authority that had me frozen in place, a reminder we were not equals.

I took a steadying breath. “Yes.”

“Where did you go?”

“A tavern.”

“Which one?” He fired off each question as soon as I finished.

“I can’t recall.”

“Who did she meet there?”

I swallowed hard. “A friend.”

“Was it a man or a woman?”

Kezara was not as sneaky as she thought she was, but I refused to betray her confidence.

“I’m not sure. They sat in the shade and she asked me to sit further away.”

Velian scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Of course she did.” He paused and brought his hand up to his chin, narrowing his eyes. “Are you being evasive on purpose?” The corner of his mouth pulled up.

“No,” I lied. He couldn’t fight the smile and it transformed his entire face; dimples appeared in his cheeks and the corners of his eyes crinkled. I had to glance away to keep my composure, but I assumed it appeared more like a sign of guilt.

“Fine, you can keep her secrets, then. I admire your loyalty.” The smile slipped and his expression grew sincere. “Can you promise to tell me if you think she is in any type of danger?”

I raised a stiff eyebrow, my tight skin protesting. “Is there a reason to think she would be?”

The crooked smile returned. “No, there isn’t. She is a free spirit though, and I worry about her. She doesn’t always think straight, especially where men are involved.”

I opened my mouth to protest that I didn’t say anything regarding a man, but Velian held up a hand.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Nowen. You didn’t have to say it, I know my sister. I’ll continue to pretend I’m oblivious.”

“Mihrra,” I said.

He cocked his head to the side.

“You can call me Mihrra.”

“Mihrra,” he repeated, the rich timbre of his voice reverberating through my ears and tingling down my neck. He reached his hand out, curling a single finger under my chin and lifting my face. “Don’t forget to look out for yourself next time. I’m sure you don’t want another burn like this.” His hand dropped to his side as he stepped back, putting space between us, an indeterminable emotion flashing across his face. “Forgive me, I should not have been so forward.”

I blinked, too stunned to move as my body tingled with warring feelings. The logical part of me was incensed he would be so bold, but the erratic, emotional part of me was buzzing with excitement.

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