Redtail Rise gauze

They grinned at those words: “niece” and “nephew.” Masque had certainly enjoyed rearing their younger siblings. It would be their pleasure to help any of their brothers or sisters raise a litter someday, whether it was sooner or later.

Mulherin was curious about them in turn. The Caru paused to reflect on the one time they’d broached this topic with anyone, at least until Ancelin had brought it up only recently. They’d only exchanged a few words with Redd on the matter, similarly limiting the depth of their attitudes with their cousin. But this was Mul; here was an opportunity to properly confide in someone.

I’m going to tell you a secret, they said, even though it wasn’t really a secret so much as something nobody ever addressed with them until recently. And it will probably seem strange, coming from me. But I have no interest whatsoever in ever bearing pups. The thought of pregnancy and delivery used to make me feel ill. It didn’t bother me so much in others and it doesn’t get to me so badly now. But I still find the whole idea, they finished with a wrinkled nose and light huff, repulsive.

Would that surprise him? Masquerade watched their brother’s face, their long tail swaying back and forth. They didn’t mention it—they knew they could tell him anything but never wanted to burden Mulherin or overshare—but if he asked about mates, they supposed they’d tell him the truth about that too: they didn’t understand the entire premise of courtship. Desire, romance, sex… it was all beyond them.