Qeya River black swift

i wonder how he got you to tolerate him, veksar commented, meant in jest but coming out awkward and stilted. he half-grinned to try and sell it. i have my problems with him, but he is my brother. and the heir to our family's name.

he hated admitting it.

veksar knew he certainly hadn't been the favorite of either of his parents. he felt as if he ranked dead last in their hearts. his last interactions with them had been so cold. he wished he regretted it. he wished he'd at least stood a chance.

his gaze turned back to gjalla. can i trust you, gjalla? if anything goes wrong here, for any reason, can i know that you will back my brother and i up?