CZAR

I heard his rumble of irritation.

"I didn't know you were this talkative."

I shrugged. "Isn't that how brothers who haven't seen each other for a long time are? Catching up and all that?"

"You piss me off, but as your brother, I guess I won't spoil your temporary fun. Make the most of it. This is just the calm before the storm."

"Storm, tsunami, or a damn hurricane—whatever."

"Paano kung sabihin kong this is just the calm before you step foot in Monteval territory?"

My mouth was set ...