Bonesplinter Ravine [M] ‘Cause Anything’s Better than the Way I Feel Right Now

She’s not in, I’m afraid.

Two golden eyes gleamed from the back of the chamber, predatory and unblinking.

The lion sprawled lazily upon the stone floor. His gaze, cold and hawkish, tracked Hasdrubal’s every tentative step as he entered the chamber. The silence was broken only by the faint rustle of Herod’s paw as it toyed with a scarlet bud, rolling it between his knuckles. A heap of them lay scattered beside him.

Looking for a healer, boy? Herod’s voice was a low purr, dripping with amusement. You look like death itself.