Page 15 of I Dated the Lost Song

Curled up with them later, she said, “I had forgotten how small she was. When she started to grow, she must have been super skinny.”

Kritz smiled sadly. “She has scarring around all major joints. She grew too fast for her skin.”

“She was too skinny. Thanks for the confirmation.”

“Give her a few days and call her,” Tycho said. “If proximity is a problem, she hates being in the middle of downtown. She feels slightly comfortable in her apartment, but she can never relax. She has to hold her energy against her skin at all times. It will slowly degrade her sanity. The rules here have given her nowhere to run.”

Kritz nodded. “I will mention it to Dr. Amber, but I believe she is already making alterations to the contract for Cadence’s comfort. She’s been around a sonic active before.”

Arcady blinked. “She has?”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Call her. She will appreciate it far more than a visit.”

“I will.” Arcady smiled.

* * * *

Cadence got out ofthe transport with her duffel bag over her shoulder. Dr. Amber came out of the manor looking different in a pantsuit that was silky and moved easily when she did.

“Cadence. Excellent. Thank you so much for agreeing to this. I know Zera was having kittens at letting you out of all her surveillance. What the hell are you wearing?”

“It’s a contact suit that Kritz designed for me.”

“Come in and take it off immediately. Containing your ambient seeking is not good for the baby. It will be worse as it matures.”

“Seeking?”

“The pulse you are putting out to see your environment. The suit is confining it. Let’s get you comfortable.”

Dr. Amber smiled. A servant took the bag, and she was walked into the house and a bedroom that smelled of fresh air and was filled with sunlight. Cadence couldn’t get the suit off her skin fast enough. It hurt to keep it on.

The doctor came in to bring some loose lounging clothing and sighed. “You put a barrier between the suit and your belly.”

“I knew what the suit was doing. I didn’t want it to hurt anything.”

“Kritz is going to call me right away. As soon as you leave the suit.”

“Do I need to explain it to him?”

“No. I will handle that.” Dr. Amber then said the most beautiful words Cadence had ever heard. “Get comfortable.”

Cadence felt like her soul left her body. She removed her outer clothing and then peeled off the confining suit. The trousers were super soft and flowing as she moved, and the top was wrapped into place with some slippery ties. She was dressed, covered, and felt relaxed. That never happened.

She smiled and twirled before hugging herself happily. She could feel the clothing, but it didn’t resist her like normal fabric did.

Cadence smiled at the doctor, who was folding the suit with a content expression. “Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure. They simply don’t understand because they have never put effort into learning. It is easier to try and confine you.”

“That does seem to fit.”

“Go take a walk in the gardens and come back when you are hungry or thirsty. My staff is at your disposal. They know of your condition and do not fear a little discomfort.” Dr. Amber smiled. “As you meet them, they will introduce themselves.”

She blinked. “That’s it? No scheduled workouts?”

“Your instructor will arrive later in the week, and today is for acclimatization and food without stress. Have you been learning Toulan?”

“Yes, but it is slow going.”

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