Salem held Aurin a little tighter, laser focused on Kellan.Then what’s wrong? You can fix him, yes? This is treatable? Does he require surgery? How do we even prepare?—
Kellan put a reassuring tentacle on Salem’s, and glanced between them, pausing as if trying to determine how best to phrase what he had to say.So, uh... How familiar are you both with cephamorphic reproductive cycles?
Chapter
Eight
KELLAN
The wide-eyed blankstares from Aurin and Salem and the train of bubbles that escaped Salem would have been funny in any other circumstance.
You said the party with the faun was a winter festival, yes?
Yes. To celebrate the coming of winter, to appease the gods in return for...
Salem didn’t need to finish that.
Fertility, Kellan provided.Did you have sex that night?
Aurin was still too stunned to speak. His eyes were wide, and he paled.
Yes,Salem answered quietly. His skin rippled as if guilt shivered through him. He shook his head, his arms coiling around Aurin protectively.He’s... Are you saying he’s...
Kellan wanted to hug them both, but he needed to get the facts out first.Aurin’s body is preparing to spawn.
It felt as if the water went utterly still.
Aurin blinked twice.Preparing to what?
To lay eggs, Kellan said calmly.
Salem made a strangled noise.
Aurin stared in horror.No.
Yes.
No.
Kellan smiled at Aurin.You’re exhibiting all the markers. Temperature dysregulation, nesting instincts, abdominal pressure and distending, involuntary shifting as if your body was telling you to morph.Then he gestured to Aurin’s abdomen, which did look a little swollen.
Aurin looked down at himself and he gasped.Oh.
Did you say nesting instincts?Salem repeated weakly.
Kellan was glad he was listening.His need to get your room ready. And there were a lot of blankets.
Aurin looked offended.I was cold.
You were building a den, Kellan said.
I was not—Aurin stopped, then looked at Salem.Oh my god.
Kellan continued, professionally merciless.Cephamorphic reproduction is something many males choose to enter into, but Salem, given your lineage and the fertility ritual...
Salem changed shape very abruptly, as if burgeoning with guilt, then blinked back to himself.This is... this is my fault.
Aurin blinked, and then he was cradling Salem and not the other way around. I seem to recall being a very willing participant. In fact, I think it was me who seduced you. The first time anyway. Second time was all you.Then he caressed the side of Salem’s face.It’s not your fault. If anyone or anything is to blame, it’s the honey mead.
