War awaits on Ilmare, between the humans and the constructs they created. Considered flawed designs by their creators, Selati and his other sentient comrades live the life of refugees on the run, hiding and fighting in Ilmare’s vast jungles. They want only the freedom to pursue their newly awakened sentience away from human interference.<br><br>Aleledai taught Selati all he knows of a life without chains and suffering. Neither can know what tomorrow will bring, rather all too well what it could take from them both. On the cusp of war, Selati returns to his lover to spend one last night in the peaceful world that only exists in Aleledai’s arms.

Slither

“Exactly. I could not imagine going into battle without knowing your touch one last time. Without giving you a damn good reminder of why we must return to each other after.”


A purely smitten look flashed across Aleledai’s normally worried face. “I do not require being reminded. Nothing could keep me from you, not even something as paltry as death. However, if you must, I am happy to allow you.”


Selati laughed in delight and slowly herded his lover backwards, not letting Aleledai leave his arms for even a moment. Aleledai went easily, happily letting Selati move him back until his scales barely brushed up against their bednest.


Their bednest was a very large affair, even taking into account the need to accommodate a couple of twelve-foot-long Caniean. It wasn’t a bed in a human sense or a nest either, but a monstrous pile of patchwork cushions and pillows vaguely ring-shaped and a depression in the middle, showing where the bulk of their bodies curled up together.


Chapter 5