The temperature spiked suddenly. Heat rolled off Aurex in waves so intense the bark on a nearby tree began to smoke, then crack, bright embers glowing in the fissures.
Leaves curled and blackened, falling like dark snow. The acrid smell of burning wood filled the air.
Hyrin's eyes flicked to the smoldering tree, his grin never faltering. "Temper, temper." He tilted his head, clicking his tongue. "Though I have to point out—two couples aren't supposed to be seen together during the hunt. It should be a pair hunting alone. One hunter, one anchor. That's the rules."
He waved his free hand dismissively. "So run along, Mr. Grumpy Sunshine. I've got some hunting to do, and you're clearly wasting time."
"This isn't over," Aurex said, each word clipped and precise.
