Spit or Swallow: Kiss Of The Basilisk

“All the cells are currently filled.” “In that case, we had better empty them, hadn’t we?” His uncle shook his head. “Thelonius…your father will not support that.” Leo looked up at him. “My father is no longer king. I do not require his support.” “But if you-“ “Take him to the dungeon,” Leo said again….

Caspen wasn’t killing Bastian quickly-that would have been a mercy, and he owed nobody his mercy. His father would be alive when he cannibalized him. Tem understood that it was Bastian’s punishment. It was only fair. It was exactly what Caspen had just watched him do to Tem. Tem couldn’t save Bastian. She didn’t want…

But Tem shook her head. Leo didn’t know what he was signing up for, didn’t know that the crest would bind him to her. And yet Caspen was right. What was Leo’s love for her if not another version of a bond? He had already pledged himself to her-already married her, for Kora’s sake. She…

“Leo,” Tem whispered, knowing that her words would bind him, that he would have no choice but to obey. “I want you to find Evelyn. I want you to choose your future.” A slow, relaxed smile broke across Leo’s face. It wasn’t joyous exactly. Merely peaceful. “I don’t know where she is, Tem.” “Your father…

“How will I know what to do?” she asked. “Your instincts will tell you.” Tem sat up, touching the necklace. She remembered how the wires were fused to her father’s hands, how the gold had seeped out of them. Without another word, she concentrated. Caspen was right; her instincts took over, and she knew what…

“I cannot protect you both at the same time, and I know she wants you to live. Go.” It was as close as Caspen would ever get to telling Leo that he mattered. For a moment, the two men simply stared at each other. Then Leo placed his own hand on Caspen’s shoulder. Neither of…

“I can do this,” Tem said. Both men stared at her. “You can do anything, Tem,” Caspen said quietly. “Of that I am certain.” The gentle clinking of a glass broke the moment. Maximus was standing on the edge of the stage, facing the aisle. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, his voice floating over the…

Tem noticed how he emphasized only human life. “It is a privilege to be king.” Maximus turned to face Leo. “A privilege that I know my son will take as seriously as I have.” Father and son stared at each other. As if in slow motion, Maximus lifted the crown from his own head and…

It was true. The sun was setting, and the early moon would soon rise. People were beginning to find their seats. They had to resolve this before the ceremony commenced. Tem turned to Caspen, her hand still firmly on Leo. “When you crested me, it wounded my basilisk side. It’s been dying ever since.” Caspen…

It wasn’t even an option. But she had to say it. Bastian’s cold smile returned. He pointed a single finger over her shoulder. Tem turned to see Leo, who was leaning against a statue, watching them. “We had a deal, remember?” he murmured in her ear. “You perform the crest. I spare the human prince…