Lion Head Mesa And I miss you in the June gloom, too

He shook his head instantly, throat tightening until he could scarcely speak. No, I - The lie spilled from him almost desperately, as if trying to convince himself of its truth. No. I don't have children. And I haven't seen any, either.

Panacea took a step back, gilded hackles bristling just a little. The more he spoke to this woman, the less comfortable he felt with her. Maybe she really did know Kemal — but even then, something was terribly wrong here. He didn't know what — but neither did he particularly want to stick around to find out.

I should be on my way, he mumbled, taking another step back. His eyes never left the dark-furred woman.