Page 5 of Full Moon
I turn toward the sound of her voice, and she grips me. She presses my nose against her chest and slowly peels back the scales close to my first eye. I hear her draw in a deep breath. "I'm closing my eyes and shifting my hands back to remove your eye caps." She almost whispers as she slides her hands along my freshly exposed scales. She wiggles the skin until the first cap pops free.
I watch as her hands leave my face to feel the skin. "Good, I got it. I'm going to do one side at a time, Khal." Her hand moves to grip the skin near my middle eye. The cap wiggles, then pops free. She repeats the process with the last eye, and I blink several times, adjusting to the light. My nictitating membranes close over my eyes, and I nuzzle Feray to get her to look at me.
"One side down, one to go. I think I can do it from this side without going in blind." Feray moves carefully alongside my body, avoiding my sharp teeth. She presses my face against her stomach as she reaches over and starts working on the opposite side. One by one, the eye caps pop off, and I can see the world again.
As my mate finishes removing the last traces of shedding skin from my face and head, relief washes over me. There's a tingling sensation as the fresh air kisses my newly exposed scales.
With her gentle touch, she ensures every inch is free from the old skin, her fingers deftly navigating the contours of my basilisk form. As she moves down along my body, her hands gliding over the sleek scales, I revel in the sensation. Her touch is both comforting and invigorating, each stroke igniting a spark of energy within me.
Together, we navigate the water, my movements slow and deliberate as I slither through the warm liquid. The water envelops me in its embrace, its gentle currents caressing my skin as I glide forward. With each passing moment, I feel myself shedding not just old skin, but also any lingering traces of fatigue or tension.
As Feray deftly pulls free the last remnants of shedding skin from my length, a wave of relief floods over me—akin to shedding a heavy burden. I can only hope my twin has as easy a time wherever he is. I draw in a deep breath, savoring the sensation of newfound freedom. With each inhale, I feel rejuvenated, as if I've emerged from a long slumber.
But along with this liberation comes vulnerability. I know from past experience that for the next few hours, my scales will be soft and pliable, leaving me as defenseless as a common snake. It's a trade-off for the growth that shedding brings—one that leaves me acutely aware of my surroundings.
"Your scales are so soft and smooth." Feray's voice breaks through my thoughts. I slither around the water, reveling in the buoyancy it offers, the sensation of weightlessness easing any lingering tension.
Diaval pokes his head over the edge. "We need to burn the shed to hide that we were here."
His reminder jolts me back to reality. I hadn't even considered the potential consequences of leaving evidence behind. Thankfully, Diaval's pragmatic approach serves as a timely reminder of the dangers that lurk beyond our bond.
As Feray pushes part of the shed toward Diaval, I watch them work together to remove it from the silo. The sound of scalesscraping against metal fills the air, accompanied by the rhythmic thud of their movements. With each tug and pull, the shed inches its way over the edge.
Satisfaction settles over me knowing that our tracks will soon be covered. As I observe my smaller shed making its way out of the silo, a pang of excitement courses through me. I know that with each shed, my basilisk form grows incrementally larger. The anticipation builds as I contemplate my new size.
Will I have gained six inches? A foot? Judging by the looks of it, I've grown at least a foot or two this time. Pride swells within me at the thought of surpassing my previous size. Yet mingled with that pride is a twinge of mischief. I can't help but wonder how Khol will react if I've outgrown him again. A playful smirk tugs at my lips as I imagine the look of jealousy on his face.
But for now, as we dispose of the shed and prepare to cover our tracks, I push aside thoughts of rivalry. The family's safety is paramount. I slither out of the silo and coil around the fire, starting the curing process for my scales. At home, I would lounge under heat lamps. For today, the small fire and possibly some help from Easton will have to do.
Feray settles beside me, her hand resting on my coils. The warmth of her touch mingles with the heat of the fire.
I'm vulnerable right now. Soft-scaled and defenseless.
But with my family surrounding me, I've never felt safer.
