Page 331 of Split or Swallow

“He certainly is.”

Tem felt a sudden rush of love for Gabriel. He was her greatest support system—her dearest friend. He never doubted her, and he reprimanded her when she doubted herself. He’d always encouraged her, long before Caspen ever did. It was because of people like him—the people she loved—that Tem would not fail tonight. She would protect the ones who had always protected her.

“Tem,” Leo murmured, breaking her from her thoughts. He pointed to the far end of the clearing. “They’re here.”

Tem followed his gaze.

At last, the basilisks had arrived.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

They walked in a somber line led by Bastian, whose face bore an expression of utter disgust. Clearly he was done hiding his disdain for the royals. Tem couldn’t exactly blame him. Behind Bastian was Caspen, and Tem’s heart jumped into her throat at the sight of him. He didn’t look well. The part of Tem that was dying was clearly affecting him—his face was even more angular than the last time she saw him, his cheeks hollow. He was diminishing. And it was all her fault.

Beside her, Leo tightened his grip, nodding at Bastian.

“That’s their king.”

“I know,” Tem said.

Leo raised an eyebrow, and she remembered that he knew nothing of her time under the mountain.

“He’s Caspen’s father,” she explained.

“I see,” Leo said quietly. “Have you met him?”

The ritual flashed through her mind.

“Yes.”

Tem didn’t elaborate, and Leo didn’t ask her to. Instead she asked him something in return:

“Have you met him?”

“My father has. They speak occasionally to ensure the treaty is upheld.”

Bastian’s gaze fell onto Tem.

A chill shot down her spine as he began to walk toward her.

“Leo,” she said immediately. “Can you get me a drink?”

But Leo was watching Bastian too, his eyes narrowed.

“No,” he said simply.

This was not the time for Leo to be brave. Tem didn’t want him anywhere near Bastian—especially when the king knew exactly how much the human prince meant to her.

“Leo,” she said again, turning to face him. “Leave. Right now.”

He opened his mouth to protest.

“Go, Leo. You’re in danger if you stay.”

Still, he hesitated. Bastian was getting closer.

Leo stood his ground.

“If I’m in danger, so are you.”