Ren was still reaching out toward the corner of the room, her fingers grasping at the air.
"Kael..." she whimpered, her eyes tracking the retreating form of Viper. "Don't go... kitty needs to stay..."
Syris felt a vein in his temple throb dangerously. His patience snapped.
He turned his glare on Viper, who was still standing awkwardly by the door.
"Out," Syris hissed, the sound vibrating with lethal intent.
There was no hesitation. Viper didn't even blink. He simply vanished; the heavy stone doors were clicking shut with a rush of air.
Ren let out a pathetic, pouty noise, her hand dropping limply to the mattress.
"You chased him away," she mumbled, tears pricking her eyes. "He was so fluffy."
"He was a reptile, Ren," Syris snapped, turning back to the bed. "And he is not Kael."
Syris clenched his jaw. "The tiger is dead."
