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“I’ a hand on his knee “Last night was…special for me, too To be perfectly honest, it was the best sex I’ve ever had—and we didn’t even have sex But…there’s just tooin the way”

“There is,” Rarev acknowledged “But—”

But a knock on the door—or rather, the crystal panel that served as the door to their room—interrupted him

30

“I’ll get it” Rarev got up with perfect unconcern, though he was coo to the door

But was he naked? E his body, he didn’t really need to wear any clothes She thought that he and the other Monstrum probably only wore the was necessary because they had no fur themselves

Not having fur to cover her, she kept the white linen sheet tucked up to her chin as she waited to see ould enter the roo happy to greet them

Eellen attendant—it was time to start the day Apparently her serious talk with Rarev about the reasons they couldn’t be together was over

She didn’t know if she felt sad or relieved about that Mostly relieved, she decided It was nice to know that Rarev wanted to be with her, but it was better to stop rehashing why such a relationship would be impossible, impractical, and unsustainable

The Rigellen attendant was carrying several garments draped over her arm and when she saw Em, her smile widened

“Hello, Minister Oxley! I ca for the Third Trial and to congratulate you and Chief Co the Second Trial”

“Er…what?” Em frowned “We already passed the Second Trial? How? In our sleep?”

Elfa looked surprised

“Why no—you passed it when you allowed Coht The second Trial is the Trial of Tasting, after all”

“Wait…were you watching us?” Rarev demanded