Ren's face flushed a bright, tomato red at his compliment.
Butterflies—no, entire pterodactyls—erupted in her stomach as she met his adoring gaze. Kael didn't pull away. Instead, he nuzzled his cheek against her dirty palms, closing his eyes and letting out a soft, vibrating purr. His long, striped tail swished gently behind him.
'He really is just like a cat,' Ren thought, staring at him. 'A giant, muscular kitten who just wants head scratches.'
She let herself enjoy the moment for exactly five seconds before reality came crashing back in.
Ren's expression turned somber. She chewed on the inside of her cheek.
"Kael," she whispered, her voice small. "You... you aren't upset with me?"
Kael opened one eye, the golden iris focusing on her. "Why would I be upset with you?"
Ren bit her bottom lip hard enough to turn it red. Her eyes flickered over Kael's shoulder to the unconscious form of Syris, then back to the Tiger.
