“Kalel, I have frequent heats, and I know how painful they can be. It’s okay if you need to do it again.” My voice waivers and I try not to dwell on the way his shoulders tense. I focus my attention on the tips of his ears and how red they turn. He drags a hand down his jaw with discomfort as he shifts to face me. “I’m sorry if I… if I frightened you last night.” His eyes soften as he stares at the ground. Then he hardens his gaze. “I’ll make sure to have our healer visit you before we leave.”
