*Hate? No,* the serpent responded and there was no reproach in its tone. *Hate isss blinding, rage isss uncontrollable, and fury, fury cloudsss the mind. Thessse emotionsss wield you, not you them. * The snake cocked its head as if examining him. *You have learned thisss yourssself, yesss? *
Memories of his childhood flooded Gavin’s mind; of his efforts to contain his temper and his countless failings. He thought of his earlier rage and how it had only distracted him. “Yes,” he replied, “I have learned this.” He looked up at the massive creature. “Yet, I feel the anger in you.”
*Wrath,* the snake corrected. *I am Wrath.*
“I don’t understand.”