A few moments later, Aiden finally pulled away and sat up.
Mahzara followed his movement, sitting up on the makeshift bed as well. Her long rabbit ears twitched, and she gathered her braided dark-brown hair over one shoulder. The firelight illuminated her copper-brown skin and the intricate white markings decorating her face and body.
She glanced toward the cottage entrance.
"So, are we going back to the village?"
Her voice sounded hopeful, but as she looked down at herself, a trace of nervousness crept into her expression. Returning to Felisara Village meant facing the very people whose rejection had driven her into the forest.
Would they recognize her?
Would they still look at her with fear and disgust?
Aiden noticed her uneasiness immediately.
He turned toward her and gently cupped her cheek with one hand.
Mahzara looked up at him, her crimson eyes softening as she instinctively leaned into his warm palm. Her long ears relaxed slightly.
