Elara paced across her chamber like caged predator, back and forth, back and forth, her boots making sharp sounds against polished stone floor.
"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid."
Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides. Her jaw was tight enough to crack teeth.
"Arrogant, self-satisfied, insufferable!"
Her face was crimson. Flushed so deeply it was visible even in the dim lighting of her chamber.
"You're just jealous, my little sister~"
Brandon's words echoed in her mind, that teasing tone, that knowing smirk, that absolutely infuriating accuracy...
"I'm not jealous!" She announced to her empty room. "I don't care who he kisses! I don't care who he spends time with! I don't—"
She stopped mid-pace. Pressed both hands to her burning face.
Why am I like this? Why does it bother me so much? He's my brother. His love life is none of my business. I should be happy he's found someone. I should—
