The more time I spend with my mate, the more I come to realize how strong she is. Where I come in like a tornado and blow through everything, counting on my brute strength to defeat my enemy, Merethyl’s strength is delicate, intricate, and it makes her stronger because she has such control over it. Her love for all creatures is admirable and her fury at those that hurt the creatures she protects is magnificent. Earth may be our element, but it encompasses all of the elements within it, the fire from the center of the earth, the air that breathes life into every living thing, and the water that feeds that life. She, like me, has pieces of all of those elements within her. As she turns to the door, after punching the scientist, I move to step in front of her. She may be strong, but I’m sti