Turn down the lights, crank up the music and get your groove on. Chapter 12 is an interlude before all hell breaks loose. Aurora seduces Löth for some interspecies hanky panky and Zak gets (un)lucky with a rat named Philip.
Aurora / Löth
There is no chemistry between these two. It's a one night stand, casual sex. Aurora has her own plans and is letting off some steam. Löth knows better but figures there's no harm in it. He's been raised both by humans and kenam: a patriarchy and a matriarchy. The last 19 years have been with the kenam, although he visits Hookshire as often as he can. He's more and more coming to begrudgingly accept his place in kenam society.
Zak
Zak is about to go through a rough patch. He's been battling depression and his years in college are going to push him to the brink. He rebels through self destruction: unhealthy relationships and self harm. He probably wouldn't make it through these darkest years without the help of his best friend, Mark.