Quinlan stayed still a moment longer with Nyxara warm in his lap and her arms tight around his neck.
Then he shifted.
"I'll need to make the most of my time here," he said. "Before I go back."
Nyxara stiffened. Her grip tightened even further for half a breath, then loosened. She leaned back just enough to look at him, lips pushed forward in a sulk that did nothing to hide the shine in her eyes.
"I know. You would regret it if you didn't." She drew a small, affectionate heart on his collarbone with one finger. "Even if it's just a single trick you pick up, it will be worth it."
He nodded.
She sighed, long and theatrical. "If you're going to train, don't waste time with the gentle ones. Your mothers are strong fighters worthy of respect, but I fear they might lack the will to teach you what you need the most right now."
Quinlan looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What I need most right now?" he repeated.
Nyxara's lips curled upward smugly.
