Chapter 38

I sniffed the air for emphasis. “You kind of stink.” She snarled at the taunt, lunging at me as I laughed and stood up to head to the adjoined bathroom. I turned the faucet on, ensuring the water was warm but not scolding. As I was checking the temperature of the water, I heard nails click against the bathroom tile, and I looked over my shoulder to see Rieka padding in. She growled at me and bared her teeth, giving me enough indication that she wanted to take a bath by herself. I returned to the bedroom, closed the door, and walked to the kitchen to retrieve some food for Rieka. When I came back, a tray of food in my hands, Rieka was already dressed and sitting on the bed, waiting for me. A flicker of pride danced in my chest at the thought that she didn’t take the opportunity to run. I set the tray down in front of her, sat at the foot of the bed, and watched as she picked up the bowl of stew.

We ate silently, and once we were both finished, I set the empty food tray on the nightst