I ignore him, just drinking until my hungry stomach doesn’t complain anymore.
“Easy, little one. Hmm, you are little, aren’t you? All skin and bones. I guess food is hard to come by where you come from.”
I ignore his murmurs, instead straining my senses, making sure I know where he is at all times, especially while I’m vulnerable.
He moves around, brushing through bushes and muttering in a musical way that has my unease simmering down.
Lirin flops down beside me and, to my confusion, I don’t react, other than to turn towards him. His scent is spicy, as if he’s unhappy, but I’m not sure why.
I listen harder, and only then can I hear the mournful tones of the song. It’s not coming from him. Are there others like him out there?
Do they need me to save them, too?
“Open your mouth,” Lirin whispers.
It doesn’t dawn on me to disobey. I wish I could; instead, I just make a surprised sound as something wet, sweet, and soft fills my mouth.
“It’s food, swallow, little Strega.”
Without thought, I swallow it, and as soon as I open my mouth, he’s shoveling more in, but I can’t think of the food; I can’t taste it.
My mother’s words drift back on the winds of memory.You are so loved, Mei, in all the worlds. When you find your mate, you will know them.
How?
They will care for you, protect you, but when your mate feeds you, it will be the ultimate declaration. Monsters are particular about food.
He’s feeding me. This is my mate.
I have a mate!
I listen to him, wishing I could see, obediently opening my mouth and eating the morsels of wet flesh he puts in my mouth.
“Good, that’s very good. You’ll be back to normal soon.” His words are senseless murmuring; my whole world is disintegrating and rebuilding.
Everything I thought I knew.
My mate is this incredible creature, and I saved him.
I edge closer; instead of pushing me away, he pulls me to his chest and strokes my back.
“Poor, strange creature. This world must be so scary without sight.”
I pause as he reaches out and touches the outermost scar.
“What did this to you?”
“Something far away from here,” I murmur and sink closer to his embrace, nuzzling my face against his chest.
“Strega, I need to introduce you to my brothers. I’m sorry, but it can’t be helped.”
“What is a brother?”
He thinks for a little bit. “A litter mate.”
“Oh. Okay. That sounds nice.”
Lirin makes a sound of discontent.
