Night folded itself tightly around the camp when Fang went to Akashi. He knew the brother was not asleep, and mostly Selene was.
Akashi was sharpening a blade outside his quarters so as not wake up Selene, the soft rasp of stone against metal steady and unhurried. He did not look up when Fang stopped a few steps away. He already knew who it was. Fang carried a presence that pressed into the air, heavy and unmistakable.
"She might be your sister," Fang said, voice low, even. "But you should be very clear about one thing. You do not mistake who she is in care of."
Akashi's hand did not pause. The blade caught moonlight, silver and cold
.
"I have known her longer than you," Fang continued, stepping closer. His shadow stretched across the dirt, swallowing the edge of Akashi's firelight. "And I will not hesitate to burn old friendships if it comes to that. You are nothing to me compared to what she means."
That finally earned him a glance.
