Page 27 of Split or Swallow

There was nothing to say, so neither of them spoke. But Tem felt an overwhelming understanding sweep over her like a tidal wave. In it, she felt Caspen’s satisfaction as if it were her own. His approval was undeniable; he was looking at her like he wanted to devour her, like she was the single most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

A moment later, the look was gone.

Tem watched as his pupils shrank, the blackness receding. It was only when his eyes were once again gold that Caspen finally said:

“Shall we eat?”

CHAPTER FOUR

In the rush of the last few minutes, Tem had nearly forgotten that the basilisk had promised to feed her after their sessions. She nodded, still numb from everything that had just happened.

Caspen stood, pulling on his trousers. “Wait here. I shall return shortly.”

He disappeared into the shadows, and Tem used the time to redress.

Some minutes later, Caspen returned holding a tray. He crossed to the mat, sitting beside her and setting the tray between them. The food was fancy—far fancier than anything Tem was used to at home. There were candied nuts and dried fruits, cheeses, thin cuts of meat, raisin bread, and small chocolates. This was a luxury beyond the simple stews her mother made, and Tem was almost afraid to touch it.

“Is it sufficient?” Caspen asked.

He was looking at her as if waiting for her approval.

“Oh—yes,” Tem said quickly. “Thanks.”

“Of course.”

He was still looking at her.

“Won’t you have some too?”

Caspen raised an eyebrow. “Would you prefer I did?”

“Yes. It’s no fun to eat alone.”

He chuckled quietly, and Tem savored the sound.

“As you wish,” he gestured at the tray. “But please. You first.”

Tem reached for the bread tentatively, aware of his eyes watching her. The basilisk waited until she took a bite before taking one himself, and for a minute, they ate in silence.

Presently, Caspen said:

“You are afraid of me.”

It wasn’t a question. Tem looked up at him. She’d denied it when they first met. But now it seemed pointless to do so.

“How can you tell?”

“I can sense it.”

“But how?”

He looked at her, his mouth tilting up.

“Your heartbeat,” he leaned forward, brushing the tips of his fingers gently across her chest. “It is irregular. And you flinch when I touch you.”

Tem blushed. “I don’t mean to flinch.”

Caspen shrugged. “It is a natural reaction. I am not offended.”