Chapter 12. Grygnev

Two hooded shadows emerge from the darkness, and I spring up to my feet, ready for a fight-or-flight. But when their faces are uncovered, mine animates.

“Zebedee!” I yelp, jumping on my brother. He is so strong that he catches me mid-air before pulling me into a hug.

“Come here, chicken...” He squeezes me, my windpipe, constricting resultantly. I don’t mind, maybe I’ve missed him. Maybe. I begin to gasp for air. Then, struggle to get out of his grip, but he yanks me up, hugging me even tighter.

“My chicken-brother...” His laughter fills my ears.

I find myself panting when he finally releases me. He just won’t stop being a bully, would he? I kiss my teeth with my eyebrows wrinkled. He veers around and, at the sight of Simchim, gets down on one knee.

“My Prince,” he acknowledges, and Simchin nods slightly.