A traumatic event in his childhood keeps Tuxtax from being able to shift into his were-griffin form. Ashamed of his looks and terrified of rejection, he spends his life in seclusion, with his sister Eleuthereia and centaur friend Rixa as his only connections to the outside world. Even though Tuxtax yearns to be with the elfin soulmate he had met before the accident, the vanth’s insecurity and self-doubt keep him from reaching out.<br><br>But now Rixa needs his help. Tuxtax joins his friend on a desperate rescue mission to save the centaur’s pregnant soulmate, hoping that the quest will give him a chance to overcome his insecurities and prove himself. Their rescue mission leads him back into the land of the elves, where Tuxtax must confront his past and the fears that are holding him back.<br><br>The further Tuxtax travels, the louder he hears his soulmate’s call. Can Tuxtax find the courage he needs to return to his soulmate and reclaim the man of his dreams?

Cupid's Ax

“…where we can go to grieve. They have a healer there who can make sure your son can be healthy and safe.”


“And how do we trust her? How do we know this isn’t another human trap?” Rixa stomped his hoof in anger.


“She’s not quite human, Rix. This is my sister-in-law.”


“El’s mate? How…?” Rixa spluttered.


Em gently slid Rhea’s body out of Rixa’s embrace so that he could hold his son. She turned to Tuxtax and asked, “There’s a river at the far end of the campground. Tuxtax, will you take Rixa to the river to bathe. You’re both covered in blood.”


“I can’t leave her,” the centaur stammered.


“I’m going to prepare her body for burial. Rixa, I don’t want your son to see this, in case he wakes. Please?”


“I—” He stared down at his newborn son. “He’s so little. I’m so lost. I don’t even know what to call him.”


Em replied, “Rhea named him Surrufus, after your…”


Chapter 9