Blazing Shadows

Chapter 2

"When I was young, Father or one of my bodyguards would usually find me playing with snakes. And very obviously, the next morning I'd find my new pet dead. I've been searching the old stories and legends for something that could relate to my condition. So far I haven't found anything," Lillianna said, leaning back against a rock and stroking the reptile coiled around her neck.

Julian tried to hide his slight revulsion and fear of that snake, but Lillianna saw.

She smiled slightly, and moved closer to her brother.

"Julian, don't tell me you're scared of a snake," she said mockingly.

"I'm not. It's just..." he trailed off, and Lillianna could see the fear reflected in his eyes.

Uncoiling the snake from her neck, she brought it closer to her brother, who yelped and backed away.

"What the heck, Lilli! Are you trying to bloody kill me!?"

She grinned, "As lovely as that would be, no. Don't be such a wuss Julie. He doesn't bite. At least, he won't bite you."

Her brother glared at her, "First of all, don't call me Julie. Secondly, how do you know it's not gonna inject me with venom and very possibly kill me?"

"Don't you trust me, Julie?"

He glared at her but hesitantly brought his hand closer. At first it was just a quick touch on the head, then a full pat and soon he was stroking it, much to Lillianna's delight.

They both sat together, watching the water as the sun set, occasionally stroking the reptile between them.

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"Hey sis. Watcha doin' in there huh?"

Lillianna stuck her head out of her closet door to find Julian leaning against the door frame.

She frowned, "Shouldn't you knock before entering my room?"

"No," he said simply, walking inside and lying down on her bed.

"You are so annoying!" she said, marching out of the closet and plopping down beside him.

"What were you doing in there? It's what? Midnight? Shouldn't you be asleep by now?"

"Look who's talking," she shot back then sighed, "I was looking for a dress for your birthday party tomorrow. I can't decide on what to wear."

"I could help y- wait what? They're holding a party for me!?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise," she said, groaning.

"You're the best sister ever!" he said kissing her on the cheek and then promptly running from the room as she made to punch him.

She could hear him laughing in the hallway outside and she huffed as she switched off the lights and flopped back in her bed. She'd decide on the dress tomorrow. Right now though, she needed her beauty sleep.