Noctisardor Bypass fouson

Heda's gaze communicated more than Anselm could stomach. He looked away as she kissed the head of each of their sons -- his sons -- feeling a lodge in his throat that would not clear by coughing alone.

One of the children had woken; the dark-furred one Heda introduced as Kikimora. The girl looked sleepily up to her caretaker, and then to Anselm -- no trace of fear in her gaze.

Anselm did not remember being so young. He froze and held her stare a moment, but then looked back to Heda. And nothing from Glaukos? He feared the man's return still, worrying not just for his own pelt, but the pelt of the children if Glaukos were to learn the truth.

Ironically, it stung Anselm bitterly to know and to remember Heda had slept with another so shortly after. He had no right to feel this way, and a part of him knew it -- still, his skin simmered.