Megan POV

The mating ceremony is drawing closer.

The flower I hid away is still with me, and after one whole night of deliberation and my confusion with Balin’s strange behaviour, I decided to risk it.

The petals have a strange taste, almost like honeydew.

I eat one and then wait, but when there are no side effects, I eat the rest.

My only reaction is late in the evening the next day when Balin hands me the drink he has made me since the day I arrived here. I’m in my room when I sip it, only to be overcome by nausea. One trip to the bathroom is enough...