MID-CONVERSATION KASSIE GLANCED AT Cat and saw the half smile on her friend's face.

'It's the only time you see her smiling now, when she's remembering him,' she thought to Kerak with a pang of sorrow.

Kerak stayed silent but a sense of discomfort wafted through the link. Kassie reached out to stroke around his ear, making the griffon twist his head closer while the rumble of a purr shuddered out. His thoughts appeared focused on the beautiful griffon beside him and the ...