Lion Head Mesa when he calls your name, it all fades to black

She didn't want this. She didn't want to be here.

She wanted Mou.

"He is gone—"

Don't leave me, Maegi choked out, pressing closer to the fellahin. Stay.

As he had before, the lines between Sayf and her husband began to blur. The same kind of heartbeat, strong and steady. Soft fur. Kind voice.

Mou, unbroken. Happy. The way he was meant to be, truly, before the world had chewed him up and spit him out—

How can you stand to be around me right now? she asked. Her voice was genuine, with no trace of coyness, but the question was charged. She shifted, pressing one hip against his. I know that. . .things are now beyond control. . .

"NOT. HIM."