But an instinct stopped me from running too far.
I absolutely had to make sure Animus was okay.
My paws dug into the ground. Below me loomed a big cloud of dust and dirt as Terranus rampaged in fury.
I swivelled around, and my heart dropped. I didn't see Animus. My ears scanned frantically for his voice.
"Animus?" I called.
His familiar voice coughed behind me. "I forgot how fast hares run... Thought you'd leave me behind."
The thought filled me with horror. "I will never leave you behind. If you hadn’t shown up soon, I would run back to find you."
Animus's eyes rounded, like he couldn't believe what I said. After a moment, he smiled. "I bet you say that toallthe spirits."
"I don't. I'm only saying it to you, Animus."
He stood still as the wind ruffled his long hair. Then he coughed again.
The same protective instinct flared up. I shifted to human form and approached him. I wanted to hold his arms, to touch him, but I didn't know if he would like it. My hands twitched as I fought the impulse.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Fine." He smiled to get his point across, but he still looked tired. "Anyway, I gave Terranus the spirit equivalent of a paper cut for all the trouble he put us through, so I'm feeling quite pleased with myself."
His words were upbeat, but he was weary. The urge to touch him, to support him, was too powerful to fight. I reached for him, putting my hands on his upper arms.
Animus froze. Even his hair stopped moving.
I ran my hands down his cool skin. It felt like human flesh, but softer and smoother somehow, like he was carved out of marble and clouds.
I smiled as I touched him. He felt nice.
Animus cleared his throat. "Leveret."
"Hm? Oh."
I realized I was touching him. A lot.
"Should I stop?" I asked.
"No," Animus said quickly. "It's just, ah..."
He peered over the ledge to where Terranus reared his head out of a dust cloud, roaring with fury.
"Maybe we can take this elsewhere?" Animus suggested.
I agreed.
Ten
Animus
Although he was an ignorant brute with a penchant for violence, Terranus was right about one thing—Ididhave a soft spot for mortals.
Going out of my way to purposely interact with them? Check. Putting myself in danger for their sake? Check. Not being able to keep myself away from this particular mortal pack? Check.
Fine, I'd admit. I liked them. Sue me.