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I turn that way as well, just as another shrill cry fills the air. Healer Sage wraps a small figure within a fur, and with a large smile, brings it to us. She places the bundle within Iris’s outstretched arms, and my mate draws it in against her chest.

“Congratulations, mom and dad. It’s a girl.”

Stunned, I look down at the tiny thing my mate holds and my eyes meet a pair that is the exact color of her momo’s. My gazetravels and I take in every single detail from the light greenish-black of her skin—two colors I have managed to remember—to the dark floks that stick up in every direction from the top of her head. I move on to the small nose that protrudes and to the mouth slit that resembles not a Krijese’s, but rather a human’s.

“She’s gorgeous.” Iris sobs and touches each of her ten fingers. “Look at her, Kala. Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She is perfect. Just like her momo.”

My mate tips her head back, and I caress her cheek. “I love you with every beat of my hearts, sweeney.”

“I love you, too.”

We turn back to our kit and I gently brush the side of her face. “My hearts beat for you as well.”

There is a soft throat clearing. Iris and I both glance up. I had forgotten Healer Sage’s presence.

“Would you like me to go find Sorin, now?”

“Yes, please,” Iris says. “He’ll want to meet his sister.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with him.” She exits the tent, but my attention is back on my mate and kit.

Iris strokes her floks. “Can you believe she’s finally here?”

“It has felt like a lifetime since you first told me you carried her.”

“Have you thought any more on the name we talked about?”

“Are you sure that is what you wish to call her?” I had been surprised when Iris said she wanted a traditional Krijese name for our kit and not a human one.

“Only if you like it.”

“It is a strong name for such a small female.”

“She’ll grow into it, I’m sure,” Iris states firmly.

“Then, yes, I think it will be a good name for her.”

The door flap swings open and Sorin comes running in. “It is a female?”

Iris waves him in and he rushes closer. “Say hello to your sister, Jiasha.”

He stands at his momo’s side and peers down at the tiny kit who returns his stare. Slowly he reaches out and wraps his much larger hand around hers and gives it a gentle shake. “Hello, Jiasha. I am Sorin, your big brother. This is Iris and Kala. They are our momo and gogo. Welcome to our world. I cannot wait to show it to you.”