---

¬ HILN 

All of a sudden? 

"I don't think that would be—" 

The kitten let out a strangled cry as Gyasi brought her near me and he paused, pursing his lips. 

He then sighed and brought it back to its chest. "You're right. Maybe we will try this another time. I was just hoping you would bond a bit—" 

"Wait!" I stiffened at my own yell and immediately relaxed. "I'm okay now. I'm calm… I'm calm," I said, my voice lower as I focused on the kitten, stifling my essence as much as I could and trying to make myself non-threatening… however it—she perceived me. 

This time, she was placed in my hands without a fuss, but I could notice the way her fluidlike muscles tensed in my grip. 

'I'm so sorry…'

Gyasi smiled. "How delightful, now hold her against your chest like this and…"