Phantom Hollow “This place is scary”

She draws in a sharp, sobbing breath as the girl licks her nose, taken by pleasant surprise. Her lips pull tight in a smile as she is utterly disarmed by the child; she laughs, softly, eyes closing for a brief moment before opening again. She feels the all too familiar tug of maternal instinct, the drive to tuck this little pup in the curve of her belly and give her shelter. It is powerful—more powerful than she remembers.

Sweet child, Megara whispers, licking the crown of her head. I wish you could speak. I wish you could tell me where you came from. One day, she will have words. For now, there is a chasm of understanding between them. . .and that is okay.