We need to talk

Spider tenses as Bas pulls away, bracing themselves for his news, but their chest loosens as he emphasises their own importance. it warms them to hear that their opinion matters so much to him, that no matter what happens, he’ll always see them as his kid. and then his next words register, and their mind empties so completely that only a low, buzzing static remains. Spider blinks once, twice, staring at Bas in uncomprehending silence.

a sudden laugh wrenches out of them, short and brittle and near-hysterical. a shocked, ugly little choked-off sound. “w-what?” Ignita? as in…Ig? their friend, Ig, who taught them blacksmithing and comforted them over Hazel’s departure at the festival? “your slave?” they’re having a nightmare, it’s the only explanation. they can’t even…what is - how - “i…don’t understand.” they’ve misheard him, somehow. it’s the only explanation.

"Speech"