I did not like how that sounded. “So now we need to protect ourselves from our allies too. Great.” Xen’s hand was still holding mine and it was warm, comforting. Until I realized that it was warmer than it had been before. “Are you okay?” I asked, lifting my free hand to touch their face.
“I am close to the time of joining,“ Xen replied. “In normal times, I would journey to the birthplace east of here now. It progressed faster than I anticipated.”
I saw concern on Daria’s face, but also that she had known this, and it was a part of the reason she wanted Xen and I together. “What happens if you don’t go to the joining?” I asked softly.
“Xen’s body temperature will continue to rise, and eventually they will lose their ability for rational thought,” Daria said.
“What does this have to do
