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Eissa tightens his tail on me. Do not think of such things. You are mine.

Rolling my eyes, I turn to him and make an impatient noise in the back of my throat. ‘I’m allowed to be curious,’ I sign.

He purses his lips in irritation but says nothing else as Sabik gathers a few things into a small, black pouch. He brings it over and holds it out, the string hanging from long claws, and Eissa takes it, tucking it into his tunic.

“These herbs are quite fresh, so take care. They will be much stronger than the ones you’re used to.”

I don’t bother to explain that I’m not used to any of them since Eissa’s kept them from me this entire time. Hm, guess I’m still a little bitter. Eissa runs the tip of his tail up my spine and over the back of my neck, the gesture soothing some of the sting, and I feel my lips settle into a tiny smile.

Sabik watches the exchange, then smiles and shakes his head. “I am happy for you, my friend. The last time you had a human—” He keeps speaking, but the words suddenly go silent in my head, and I feel rage pulsing through Eissa.

I turn toward him and step out of his tail. ‘No. You don’t get to decide what I can and cannot understand. You don’t get to cut off communication from me. That is cruel.’

Eissa’s eyes widen, then his ears flick in shame, and he brings his fist to his chest. ‘I am sorry.’

I refuse to accept his apology. I only turn when I feel a tapping on my shoulder, and I look over at Sabik, who is circling his fist over his chest.

“No,” I say aloud for his benefit. “You don’t have to apologize. That is for him to do.” I point at Eissa.

His hands hover a moment, and then he says, ‘Sabik treated my wounds after I was punished and lost my former companion.’ His hands shake as he signs those words, and my breath catches in my chest. I had no idea he suffered like that. I saw the scars on his thighs, but I had no idea what they were from.

I point to his thighs, and he nods.

I don’t want to forgive him so easily, but things have been so much better between us that I can’t help softening as he extends his tail toward me, and I step into it, letting him curl it around my leg again.

“Thank you,” Eissa says and signs. “I’m in your debt.”

Sabik stares at me for another moment, then speaks, and I feel his words again. “Please come visit soon. I would like to learn your language. I am eager to study everything human.”

I shrug and look at Eissa, who doesn’t seem overly bothered by the idea. He nods, so I sign and say, “Okay.”

Sabik looks pleased as his tentacles roll him back, then he inclines his head to Eissa, and I hear him one last time. “I must go, but stay as long as you like.”

Eissa bows, and I follow suit, and it’s not long before the Tarek is once again out of sight and we are alone. The cave feels oddly empty now, and I step out of the grip of Eissa’s tail, but only so I can push against his chest and place my hands over his hearts.

I like feeling the way they beat.

I am sorry, my Luca, he tells me.

Closing my eyes, I press my forehead against his sternum. When you shut me out, it hurts for many reasons.

Never again, he vows.

I’m not sure I believe him, but when I look up into his eyes, he looks sincere. He takes my chin in a soft hold, then ducks his head and captures me in a kiss.

Let me take you home, my precious human. We have things to tend to.

And herbs to use?

His laugh rumbles against me. Eager thing. We shall see.

Yes. We fucking shall.

I know Eissa took those herbs and hid them when we returned home. I was with Gerald, petting his rough shell as Eissa disappeared back into the house, but he left his mind wide open the whole time. Almost like he wanted me to find them.

So I did.

Eissa is currently attempting to wrangle Gerald back inside, so I’ve slipped the small vial out from the back of his wardrobe, pressing two herbs into my mouth without thinking.