The elven mother immediately began studying her son's features for signs of heartbreak she would have to nurture. She wouldn't be able to live in her skin if she knew her Quinnie was suffering.
Before Quinlan could even part his lips to explain, a dry voice cut in.
"You two are so focused on the scent of women on him…" Karl spoke, his tone laced with casual disdain, "yet you completely ignore the far fouler stench coming off your precious boy."
Both mothers snapped their heads toward the pig-faced shapeshifter, blinking in unison.
Karl adjusted his hat and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration. He sniffed again, then nodded to himself, sure of his findings. "The stench of a corrupted divine entity is oozing from him… and not just on him—from him. As if he were now a source himself."
*Gasp!*
Two matching gasps rang out as Mearie and Luminara turned back toward their son, eyes suddenly far sharper than before.
Now that they looked more carefully…
