Page 33 of Of Rime and Ruin

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There. End of the tunnel.

Right where I left her.

Small tunnel. Not enough room for me.

Body fills the tight space. Horns scrape the ceiling.

Fuck.

I crouch low. Bend so I can see her.

That’s better.

Her face, peering through bars. Soft and warm. I remember those eyes.

Happy to see me?

Hard to say.

I dig my claws into ice.

Get closer.

Closer.

Last time, she said “friend.”

Did she mean me?

I think so.

Heartbeat.

Excitement.

Nervous, aching hope.

I’ve never had a friend.

Poke bars with my claw.

Pathetic metal. Cage would never contain me.

Powerful Beast.

Raging Beast.

I am a hunter.

She is prey. With large, round eyes.

So fragile.

She’s beautiful.

I wait for her music.

Crouch. Wait. Stare.

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