Lydia let him gather her into his arms, knowing their union, any kind of close intimate proximity, made them stronger. He was warm and she breathed in his dusty scent which had overtones of blood, sweat, musk and pine needles. He smelled like home. His apology washed over her and she cringed at the regret that tinged his voice.  Turning in his arms, she pressed her finger over his lips.<br/><br/>“Shhhh. You never have to apologize to me. Battle brings out all sorts of primitive instincts. We have to leave from our mistakes, not castigate ourselves. Others before me might have been horrified at the changes you go through but I will not. Demons and other underworld creatures are part of my training. If you take on a different form, inside, I will still know it is you. Even if you were to kill me, I would trust you to bring me back to life.”<br/><br/>Her arms went around him and she hugged him with an almost supernatural strength. His tail tightened around her. Pulled back a little, she put her hands on either side of his face and looked deep into his eyes.<br/><br/>“You are not a monster. And” Her voice rose a little as if she were talking to a distance, “Voice that lives within. You are not welcome here. We reject you. Shenyo is strong and complete without you. He is powerful and our union makes him more so. Be gone.” Her voice was commanding and her words were spoke with true conviction.<br/><br/>Then she lowered her lips and kissed him.<br/>