The Sunspire [m] carved teeth

her legs trembled, every word driven from her mind for now. the memory of cloud singer was almost sweet as muskrat lay beside akavir, catching her breath in silent heaves.

he had not been gentle. she had enjoyed this of him, the controlled lack of kindness in their interlude. and it did not occur to muskrat for a long moment that she might have conceived by him.

she twirled the thought. certainly he would give her mateship and the role of a leader. the taste of power was appealing, but her sense of freedom was moreso.

even as muskrat reached for akavir again, seeking to rouse him with small nips and low growls, she knew she would never bear his issue. theirs was this night only, something she needed, something she wanted to give and to have before the disconnection was complete.