Why is he looking at me like that?
My cheeks flush as he starts walking toward me, his steps slow. I can’t make sense of the look in his eyes. Could it be... No, surely not. Again? Are we really going to—Again?
“Theron?”
He stops in front of me, leaning down until his face is so close I can feel his breath on my skin. “How about we heal you, my little mate? A healing session after a mating lesson.”
I swallow hard as his mouth hovers only inches from mine, the heat of his body dries my skin but...
“Who knows,” he whispers, his voice deep, “maybe my tongue can heal more than open wounds.”
33
THROUGH THE PAIN OF THE PAST
“There’s something in him, Elder Aïna... something wild and still, like the wind before a storm. He’s Ánya’s son, through and through. Quiet now, but one day, he’ll rise, and the whole forest will know his name.”
—Vládan, mate of Ánya, before departing north
Theron
Mina mentioned she placed the comb near the ribbons. Did my mate move it?
I scan the bathing room until my eyes land on a neat arrangement of her belongings in a small corner.
My sweet dove has carved out a tiny space for herself here. Pain twists in my chest as I take in the sight. Just this small corner. She left everything behind when she was taken.
I need to ask her what belongings she had in Tárnov.
She should have more, so much more. This home will never lack anything she needs.
I’ve seen how she hides certain things. Her small weapon, for example, tucked under the nest alongside her mother’shandkerchief. But here, among her few belongings, I spot the comb. And something else.
Curious, I pick up the smooth, thin object. It has her name, her face, on it, and a string of numbers. What is this? Her painted image is strange too. She’s wearing something green on her head. It doesn’t cover her entirely, and it certainly doesn’t look like it’s meant to keep her warm. Is it ceremonial? Customary?
Humans do so many interesting things, things that are often difficult to understand.
When Elder Aïna told us that humans prefer not to urinate outside, instead using something called atoy-let,I built one. When she explained that humans wash in warm water, I charged the crystals to ensure the streams always stay warm.
And now, I wonder what significance this little green headpiece holds? Humans truly are so different.
My ears twitch at the sounds of her stirring awake. For some reason, I expected humans—especially females—to sleep deeply. Elder Aïna always said that human women needed more rest. The sun hasn’t even risen yet.
Comb in my paw, I step out of the bathing room, and my gaze immediately falls on my mate sitting in our bed-nest. Her bare skin looks so beautiful and so smooth. Pride swells in my chest at the sight. After our healing session yesterday, I had the honor of bathing her again. Her sweet moans of pleasure are becoming my favorite sound. Right after the question about whether I have a knot—that was brilliant. This should be our nightly routine. Me, tending to her delicious body.
“Good morning,” she says, her voice warm and husky from sleep as she stretches and rises from the bed-nest.
Why is she wrapping the furs around herself? I have already seen her bare.
“Good morning,” I reply eagerly. Then, holding up the comb, I ask, “Can I?” It looks so small in my paw, but I am determined.
Zephyr often braids his fur, something Elder Aïna told him his mother used to do for him when he was a pup. It’s a beautiful and intimate act, and I want to learn it.
Noël glances at the comb, then meets my eyes with a smile. “Let me wash my face and brush my teeth first.”
I nod, following behind her as she heads to the bathing room.
I’ve never seen her brush her teeth before. The concept intrigues me, especially since humans lack fangs. I can’t imagine her hunting a deer with her teeth, and when I try, it’s entertaining.
