Nya meows, turning her head over her shoulder where four other familiars are crawling through the tunnel, their bright eyes wide and searching. Instead of running directly to me, Echo bounds across the floor toward Dagny, stretching up on his hind legs and pressing his shadow-coated paws directly onto her chest. Tinkling laughter bounces off the walls as the wolf spirit laps at her face, a low-toned whine echoing deep within his chest. Comet and Honey follow suit, nuzzling their faces into her sides with their warm greeting, while Nya leaps onto her shoulders. A rumbling purr vibrates into the air as she rubs her fluffy black cheek against Dagny’s, her eyes pinned on Bo—hopping across the floor far behind the others, his ears flopping and whiskers twitching with each hurried movement.

The only one that doesn’t join in the embrace is Syn, Kaebl’s familiar. Her long golden body is curled in the mouth of the tunnel, hidden by the thick shadows swirling within. Before I can comment on it, she slithers away, leaving Dagny and Kaebl behind. When I look at Kaebl, his eyes are fixed on the spot his familiar used to occupy, his mouth pinched in a pained expression.

I think I should go.

“What? Why?” Dagny whips her head over, an aching pang ringing down the bond. “We just sat down.”

I’ve been here too long already. He abruptly pushes to a stand, refusing to look at his mate as he stalks toward the exit. Have a nice time, everyone.

“Wait!” Dagny’s plea has him freezing in place, his shoulders shuddering as he attempts to fight against her power over him. “Why don't you stay for the night? There’s more than enough space…”

I can’t.

The shadows swallow his outline as he steps through the doorway into the central room, his absence marked by a charged silence hanging heavy in the air.

“I suppose I should be going as well.”

Dagny turns her desperate gaze onto Malice, her eyes holding the plea she won’t allow herself to speak. “Malice…”

“Yes, wildfire?”

“I…” She worries her lip, her eyes lowering to her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “I don’t want you to go, either,” she whispers. “I don’t… please, can you stay?”

Malice lips part in shock, his chest expanding with a rush of elation as he stares dumbfounded into Dagny’s eyes. “What… what did you say?”

“You heard me,” she murmurs, a rush of heat traveling to her cheeks.

“I know.” Malice turns and takes a step toward the furs, his movements cautious as if any sudden action or sound will cause her to change her mind. “But please… I need to hear it again.”