My cheeks instantly flushed red.
Were astrals so quick to be sure of their emotions?
Once we had boarded the Astral Alliance's starship, our rescuers handed out the antidote to each of the freed human captives.

Isaiah himself handed me mine.
He also gave me a vial of pink nutrient serum.
"This is a little sweet and a little sour, I think you'll like it."
Sensing the burning heat deep in his eyes, I lowered my gaze, awkwardly.
"Thank you."
"When we arrive on Tanbas, I'll bring you something more substantial," Isaiah promised.

"Wonderful!" I said, my voice small and timid.
Even though I was almost sure of his affections, I still felt a little trepidation.
"When we get there, will you keep me by your side?"
In our previous incarnations, my sister had been the first to step forward and oppose marriage.

Thanks to the strength of her opposition, every human woman had been given six months to get accustomed to their fate.
But this time, she wasn't here. I was concerned that this might cause a butterfly effect that would drastically alter events.
Isaiah wrinkled his brows as he looked deep into my eyes.
"Do you want me to keep you by my side?"
"Of course!" I nodded my head, earnestly, returning his gaze.
The corners of his mouth curled up in an almost imperceptible smile.
"Don't worry. As long as you wish it, I will stay with you forever."
He lowered his head and kissed me softly on the hand.
The cool touch of his lips was like an electric shock.
My body started to tingle numbly.
For the next three days, Isaiah hardly left my side.
Even when I slept, he would lay a blanket at the foot of my bed and lie there, accompanying me.
Despite this, he rarely smiled.
The long silences created an almost oppressive atmosphere.
But I had to admit, he was very attentive.
He diligently attended to my every need.
After three days had passed, we finally arrived on the planet of Tanbas.
The other astrals knew we were coming and many had gathered to greet us on the wide plaza that was our landing dock.
The steps down from the starship had clearly been designed with the astrals in mind.
For us humans—significantly shorter in stature as we were—each step was a trial.
As soon as we exited the starship's main hatch, Isaiah leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I'm sorry."
Without further warning, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me down the stairs.
There was a collective gasp of surprise from the disbelieving crowd gathered below.
My cheeks glowed red.
I buried my face in his chest, too embarrassed to look at the faces around me.
He carried me like this the whole way back to his residence.
"We're home." He said, warmly.
A robotic servant brought me a pair of soft slippers.
Isaiah bent down and helped me put them on.
It was only when he stood straight once more that I realized how tall he was.
I had to tilt my head back just to look at him.
This proved far from comfortable for my overstretched neck.
Seemingly noticing my discomfort, he wrapped one arm around my waist and lifted me up, effortlessly.
I wrapped my legs around his strong waist.
I then placed my arms around his neck, resting on his powerful shoulders.
From my new vantage point, I could see his ears go red.
"I never imagined you'd be so shy. I guess it doesn't show much when your ears are soft and fluffy."
I pinched his ear, lightly. It was blisteringly hot.
"If you don't like my animal ears, I can keep them like this whenever I'm with you," Isaiah promised, earnestly.
The disappointment in his voice was clear.
"Who said I don't like them?" I was a little taken aback.
"This is the first time you've touched my ears. You never touched them when they were furry."
He sounded almost offended.
I wanted to laugh.
"You're so tall, I've never been able to reach before!"
"Would you like ... to touch them?" He said, the hope in his voice palpable.
I nodded.
In an instant, his human ears grew long and furry.
Not only that, but my vantage point became much higher.
My legs almost slipped from around his waist.
It was only because his arms held me that I remained in place.
I reached out again and stroked those fur-covered ears, joy singing in my heart.
I had always loved small, fluffy animals, whereas I hated snakes, all cold and smooth.
Dirk was sinister and mean, something I liked even less.
Isaiah might look cold on the surface, but underneath he was warm and gentle.
His heart was like a geyser, hidden beneath a crust of snow and ice. I felt secure in his embrace.
Gradually, his breathing grew ragged and he began to pant.
Seeing his cold, deep eyes starting to glow bright crimson, I quickly pulled back my hands.
"I forgot to ask, what is your animal form?" I asked, curiously.
"What do you want it to be?" His voice was now hoarse and raspy.
I turned to look around me, saying, softly, "Whatever you are, that's what I want you to be."
This was essentially an admission of affection. Isaiah's whole body went rigid.
He lowered his head and kissed me.
His furious advances completely overtook me.