"You read human healing texts?"
"Is that so surprising?" There was a challenge in his gaze.
"Honestly? Yes." I set down my tools, giving him my full attention. "Most monsters I've encountered barely acknowledge human knowledge has value."
"Most monsters haven't spent years studying human medical practices," he replied, so matter-of-factly that I nearly missed the significance of his words.
"Years?" I repeated, stunned. "You've been studying human medicine for years?"
Something like embarrassment crossed his features. "Since before the Conjunction. When our worlds were still separate,some of us... prepared. Learned about humans. I focused on healing practices."
"Why?"
"Knowledge is valuable. And I believed our worlds would merge eventually." He looked away, focusing on the plants. "The histories suggested it was inevitable."
I observed him, seeing him anew. I saw him not just as the monster forced upon me, but as someone curious, insightful, and intelligent.
"What else have you studied?" I asked softly.
The question opened a floodgate. Over the next hour, Redmon revealed his self-education, not just in medicine, but human agriculture, architecture, even our poetry. He spoke of ancient monster texts that predicted the Conjunction, of his belief that cooperation between our species was possible.
"That's why you agreed to the matching," I realized suddenly. "You actually believe in this... coexistence."
He met my gaze steadily. "I believe forcing people together creates resentment, not harmony. But yes, I believe our species can find common ground."
"Even after everything that's happened?"
"Especially after everything." His voice softened. "Look at us now, Kalyndi. Sharing knowledge, helping each other. This is what could be possible on a larger scale."
The sincerity in his eyes made my chest tight. My long view of him as my captor prevented me from considering that he might be as trapped by circumstance as I was.
Our days fell into a pattern after that. Mornings in the greenhouse, exchanging knowledge of plants and healing. Afternoons tending to the garden or preserving herbs. Evenings spent in comfortable conversation by the fireplace, sometimes with Selene, sometimes just the two of us.
I looked forward to these quiet moments, to Redmon's insightful questions and unexpected knowledge. Somewhere along the way, the monster had become... not quite a friend, but something I no longer feared.
Then came the day that shattered our fragile peace.
We were in the greenhouse, Redmon helping me harvest lavender, when a sharp knock rattled the cottage door. Through the glass walls, I saw two figures in the distinctive blue uniforms of Magnus Terra officials.
"Stay here," Redmon murmured, his expression darkening. "Let me handle this."
I nodded, but moved to a position where I could hear through the ajar greenhouse door.
"Commander Razak," a crisp voice announced. "Routine inspection."
"We had an inspection three weeks ago," Redmon replied, his tone carefully neutral.
"New protocols," came the reply. "May we come in?"
Redmon stepped aside, allowing the officials entry. From my vantage point, I could see them clearly now, a tall, thin man with silver-streaked hair and a younger woman carrying scientific equipment. Neither wore the standard inspector uniform.
"I'm Administrator Verek," the man said, "and this is Dr. Soren from the Compatibility Research Division."
My stomach clenched. Research Division. This was no routine inspection.
"We need to speak with your mate," Verek continued. "Where is she?"
Redmon's posture stiffened. "Why?"
