Chapter 65: Eating with others
Reneira woke up to the soft patter of rain against the window, stretching her arms as she blinked away sleep. Her eyes searched the room until they landed on Ogain, nestled snugly in the large basket. Last night, after Kaisun left, Gloria had brought in the basket, and they had lined it with a thick blanket. Ogain had been exhausted, curling up after devouring fresh pieces of raw lamb.
Gloria had been a bundle of nerves to approach him, both excited and terrified. She had dared to touch the fledgling once, only for Ogain to snap his tiny, sharp beak at her hand in warning.
Smiling, Ren slipped out of bed and padded over to the basket. Ogain stirred, shifting in his sleep, looking so small and endearing that warmth bloomed in her chest. Everything about this mythical creature melted her heart and the fact that Kaisun had gifted him to her as a wedding present provoked something hot and restless deep within. She recalled the moment Kaisun had cupped her face, his touch achingly tender. Was she truly going to win his heart and make him love her? She hadn’t even begun.
She was in the washroom when a knock on the door snapped her out of her reflection. She washed up quickly and stepped out, just as Arkilla entered the room, her mood a little subdued.
"Gloria was summoned to help clean the feast venue with the others. I’ll assist you with dressing."
Ren offered a small smile and gestured toward the table. "Set Ogain’s food on the floor and sit down. Before I came here, I always took care of myself. I know how to get dressed."
She disappeared into the dressing room and returned shortly, finding Arkilla smirking.
"Training won’t be easy today!"
Ren shrugged. "I know!" Her gaze flickered toward Ogain. "If you hurt me, I’ll have him take my revenge on you."
Ogain stirred, his long lashes fluttering as he lazily opened his eyes. The moment he spotted the dish of food near the basket, he leaped out and began devouring it ravenously.
"Wow! He eats like a wild thing."