Blackfeather Woods [m] i've known everything but this

She was adrift on the waves of sensation, perfectly content with what this was, where she stood. Her eyes closed for real but colors still pulsed in the darkness, bright and dark all at once, moving along with the blood in her veins. All she knew was that she would have children, she would have children with Mou, and she would love them more fervently than anyone loved anyone ever before.

So lost in this reverie was Maegi that she didn't notice the absence of his touch for a short while—but when she did, it was like a cold, northern wind blowing much too early into summertime.

Her eyes popped open, and she turned her head to find him facing away, looking stiff, uneasy. Mou? Maegi said softly, brows knitting with concern. Shadow-things were popping out at her from the trees; for a moment, a heartstopping moment, she thought he might see something, like an intruder. But she moved to catch a glimpse of his face and found no alarm there, only. . .

Mou? she asked again, in a different tone. Her heart felt like it was permanently lodged in her throat. Every flaw felt amplified, as if put on parade for all to see and scorn. What's wrong? Am I. . . Did I do something wrong?

She was silly to have given herself so freely. But—Meridia!—she'd said so!—