Chapter 6 · Family Blood Pays

"Stop shaking, Doctor. You're making the blade wander," Julian rasped.

His voice was a dry rattle, but his grip on Kael’s wrist was like a vice. Kael didn't pull away—not because he wanted to, but because Julian’s fingers were digging into the tendons of his arm with a strength that defied his wasting body.

Kael stared at the incision. The skin of Julian’s chest had gone a matte, chalky white, the texture of old ivory. Beneath the surface, the bone wasn't just growing; it was vibrating.

"I'm not shaking," Kael snapped, though his breath was coming in short, jagged bursts. "I'm trying to keep you from turning into a goddamn statue while I'm still inside you."

Julian let out a sharp, hacking laugh that ended in a groan. He leaned closer, his forehead almost touching Kael’s. The smell of cold minerals and something like ancient ozone clung to him.

"You're terrified," Julian whispered, his eyes locking onto Kael's with a predatory hunger. "I can feel your pulse hammering against my skin. Does it scare you, Kael?