“There is nothing there.”
“Yes, you see? Even in whatever state you were in, you made sure not to hurt me. You kept your claws back, even if you did grip me a bit tightly.”
“Then you do not fear me?”
Ytha smiled, and pulled on Hatib’s arm, sitting him next to her. “No. Hatib, I…” he saw her smile break as she looked away for a moment, then return when she faced him. “I’m not afraid of you. Just get some rest; we’ll leave town in the morning.”
Hatib nodded. “Thank you. Thank you, Ytha. It is good not to be feared.” Hatib quickly cleaned Ytha again, and the pair rested warmly beneath the moon’s cold rays.