Watching Linn’ar’s powerful form in action roused my appetite for a different kind of pounding, too.
He pinched the stretchy pool of dough between two claws. “What is our next step?”
“Almost done. Can you split that in half?”
Linn’ar tore it in two and handed me one lump. I rolled it into a cylinder and nodded at him to do the same. He followed along, creating a smooth cylinder with his skilled hands.
“Great. Now we’re pretty much done. Just chop it up into smaller pieces,” I said, miming the motion.
Linn’ar copied it. He raked his claw across the dough to create a perfect piece ofgaraetteok, then flashed a proud smile at me.
I never considered myself an overly emotional person. Pretty much the opposite. But seeing Linn’ar look so happy during a shared activity sparked a well of joy inside me. My heart felt warm and full.
But my tummy was empty. And thegaraetteokwe made together looked pretty damn good.
“Go ahead and try it,” I encouraged, grabbing a piece.
When I tossed it into my mouth, I shut my eyes and nearly moaned. The soft, chewy texture was heavenly, and the salty, yet slightly sweet flavor melted on my tongue. Even the purple rice flour added a pleasant new note to the nostalgic taste.
“Linn’ar, these are amazing,” I said, already reaching for a second.
He grabbed one with his long tongue. I watched his face light up as the flavor hit. He crunched the chewy rice cake between his fangs, swallowed, then instantly grabbed another.
After gulping it down, he said, “I understand why this is your favorite food. Thank you for sharing it with me, my filum.” His eyes sparkled with affection. “I would like to makegaraetteokwith our child, too.”
My chest squeezed. “I’d love that.”
After devouring the whole batch, I sank onto the floor with a huge sigh. I was full and satisfied, but after eating so much, I felt a bit dizzy.
Linn’ar furrowed his brow. “You look pale.”
“I do?”
He didn’t hesitate to scoop me into his arms. “I am taking you to the Healer.”
I was too full and lightheaded to argue. Besides, I liked when Linn’ar showed off his muscles by carrying me around like a doll.
Then I suddenly remembered what Fhi’ran said earlier. Hours passed since our initial visit this morning.
Did the pregnancy finally take hold?
14 /Linn’ar
The momentI saw the color drain from my filum’s face, I knew something changed.
He felt limp as a wilted stalk in my arms as I rushed him to the Healer’s den. I knew he wasn’t sick or hurt, but that didn’t stop my protective instincts from seizing control.
I kicked the door in, nearly breaking it. Fhi’ran blinked in confusion until he saw Jaeyoung in my grasp and immediately understood.
“I’m fine, Fhi’ran,” Jaeyoung said, although his voice was thinner than before. “Really.”
My purple sibling was already hurrying to retrieve the flower. In the meantime, I cradled Jaeyoung tightly in my arms, stroking his hair. Despite his claim to be fine, there was a sheen of sweat across his forehead.
“How do you feel?” I asked. “Are you in pain or discomfort? Is there anything I should do?”
He arched a brow at my rapid questions. “Linn’ar, I said I’m fine. When Levi found out he was pregnant, he actually fainted. My symptoms aren’t that bad. I’m only a bit dizzy.”
My tail twitched irritably. He said it like it held no meaning, but dizzy was still a condition other than healthy.
