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The Defiant Agents
The Defiant Agents

Chapter VII

Cover illustration for The Defiant Agents
Context Illustration Reading 1/88 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.
He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.
A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.
The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.
He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Defiant Agents

Chapter VII

Reading 1/88 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.
Line 2
He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.
Line 3
A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.
Line 4
The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.
Line 5
He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.”

Answered noun US /ˈanswered/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.”

Tongue noun US /tongue/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.”

All words in this reading · 96

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

able

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

answerednounUS /ˈanswered/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

avoid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

aware

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

burst

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

cheek

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

chill

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

clothes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

clouds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

contact

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

coyote

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

coyote's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

damp

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

down

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

downpour

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

dull

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

ears

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

experienced

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

eyes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

fear

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

force

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

forehead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

full

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

giddiness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

gray

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

head

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

heavy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

how

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

landing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

lying

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

made

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

making

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

matter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

minor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

move

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

Nalik'ideyu

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

off

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

opened

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

outline

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

overhead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

pain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

persistent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

pointed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

rain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

rasp

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

recognize

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

released

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

rough

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

saw

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

shivered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

sky

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He opened his eyes and saw the pointed ears, the outline of a coyote head between him and a dull gray sky, was able to recognize Nalik'ideyu.

slid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He shivered as the chill damp of his clothes made him aware that he must have been lying out in the full force of the downpour for some time.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

tonguenounUS /tongue/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

Topaz

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The dull clouds overhead had released the first heavy rain Travis had experienced since their landing on Topaz.

trailed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

Travis

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

tried

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

turn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

wet

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.

wetness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A wetness other than that from the coyote's tongue slid down his forehead now.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The rasp of something wet and rough, persistent against his cheek; Travis tried to turn his head to avoid the contact and was answered by a burst of pain which trailed off into a giddiness, making him fear another move, no matter how minor.