Shadewood Even though we know it, everyone remains in play.

She mulled his hushed question. Masquerade could almost always eat, though she did feel particularly famished, now that she was paying attention. She wondered if that was because she was still on the mend—her wound was officially closed, scabs soon transitioning into scars—or if this was an early sign of pregnancy.

There was no way to tell for certain, so Masque merely purled back, Sure am, as she slunk closer to her mate.

She flanked him and peered up- and downriver, trying to locate their quarry. When she managed that, she slanted her head toward Riley, bumping hers beneath his as she so often did. Her long tail swung, thumping gently against his right hip. Her gaze rested on his face, conveying the hope she didn’t dare mention out loud just yet.