“Kaan, no. I did not agree to this!” His body stiffens, steps slowing, a low, grating sound coming from him. “Say it again …” “What?” “My name, Moonbeam. Say it again.” If it’ll get me out of this saddle ride, I’ll scream it to the sky until my voice box ruptures. “Kaan. Kaan. Kaan. Kaan. Kaan! Now put me down. Quick.” He fills his lungs, his entire chest inflating—like he just took his first breath since he began a deep dive. “You didn’t say please,” he finally says, then kicks forward again.
