Moonspear snakehips

There was no answer from his wife, whose moving figure was laced by moonlight spilling from the den’s entrance. Njord found his feet and shuffled closer to observe Meerkat’s work.

A small – too small – baby was curled against her breast… but it was inanimate. No wriggling tail or toes… no fussing or suckling. No cries.

Any emotional response was trumped by practicality. Njord stooped down to help Meerkat rouse their little baby and licked his velvety fur with rough, short strokes of his tongue.