All the rage evaporated from him like steam. His round black eyes widened with shock, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.
Lana laughed again, breathless but warm.
"I never knew my contracted beast could get so emotional. Next time, if you get jealous, tell me. I won't do anything that hurts you."
She pressed another gentle peck to his feathered cheek.
This time, Mr. Crow's tiny heart squeezed painfully in the sweetest way possible.
He had only ever been met with scorn. People avoided him. People called him ugly.
Some even refused to form contracts with him, acting like he was some cursed creature.
But Lana?
Lana never looked at him with disgust. Never hesitated to touch him. Never treated him as lesser.
Her lips were warm on his feathers, and for the first time, he felt…
Soft. Wanted. Cherished.
He blushed... actual warmth blooming under his feathers and puffed up shyly.
