Bitterroot Valley I waited for you

ega huffed a low laugh against her throat, the sound warm and rough, his breath stirring the fur there. he lingered in that space—half for her, half because he could not quite pull himself away. her praise thrummed through him like a struck drum.

hn. strong words, he murmured, voice thick. feel good… here.”he pressed his forehead lightly to hers, eyes half-lidded. angel speak like… she see me true.

for a heartbeat, he simply breathed her in.

then his tone shifted—still soft, but steadier, fuller.

your family, he rumbled, they want gift? for your hand? his lips brushed her cheek as he spoke. customs different in lands. i give what is needed.

a pause, heavier now. he pulled back just enough to look at her properly.

and… i tell you truth. another breath, warm and close. i was born cövah. horse of white sky. boy of big sky people. the name tasted strange on his tongue after so long, but not unpleasant—not when given to her. i lose him. buried him. become sega tuhut.

his nose brushed her jaw in something like reverence.

but you… his voice dipped, almost a whisper, almost a confession, you make me feel like him again. like man i was. better man. maybe you call me cövah again.