168 Ch. 167: Isolated

Sometimes, offense makes for the best defense.

"Did you hit your head on something and forget how to knock?" I ask pointedly before my older brother can draw breath to speak. I take my time to rise to a standing position and pin Augustus with a hard glare. "Well, what's the purpose of your presence?"

"Only to pay you a visit," he says innocently. But I can sense frustration coming off him in waves. It's unfocused, floating around him like a miasma or my father's aura.

"No doubt you have something to inform me about or, more likely, you will scold me about something you wish I had informed you of in advance," I carry on as if Augustus hadn't said a word.

"So you are aware." A lone eyebrow perks up in accusation. His tone cools off, icier than the north winds at Elias' family home.