LISA


    "So, this is the face," I explain, pointing to my crude circle. "And these are buttons on the side for different functions." I add a few lumps to represent the buttons.


    The Grand Sage peers at my drawing, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I see. And you believe we could adapt something like this for magical communication?"


    "Maybe?" I shrug, feeling a bit self-conscious about my suggestion now that I''ve said it out loud. "I mean, I don''t know much about magic. It was just an idea."


    He nods slowly, his eyes still fixed on my terrible sketch. "You know, Lisa, your idea has some merit. The compact size would certainly be an advantage. Of course, I''d need to acquire some of these watches to see what I could do with them, but it''s an intriguing concept."


    A warm flush of pride spreads through my chest at his words. It''s nice to feel like I''ve contributed something useful, especially when I often feel so out of my depth in this magical world.


    A strange scratching sound comes from the door, startling me out of my warm glow. I glance at the Grand Sage, who looks equally puzzled.


    "I''ll get it," I offer, pushing away from the table.


    As I approach the door, the scratching intensifies, sounding distinctly impatient. Curious, I turn the handle and pull the door open.


    To my surprise, Selene slinks into the room, her silver fur gleaming in the dim light. Ice-blue eyes meet mine before she pads past me, walking straight toward the older gnome, where they stare at each other in silence. Probably mind-reading each other or something.


    Elverly gives an exasperated sigh, grabbing for a washcloth and wiping the floor. Muddy paw prints trail behind Selene, leaving the marks of her presence. "Walking into a home, leaving it a mess. I''d never have a dog as a pet. Too much time spent cleaning up after them."


    "Some people don''t mind the mess. But Selene isn''t a dog. She''s a proper wolf and the Westwood Pack Luna now."


    "Luna or dog, does it change these muddy paws on my floor?" Elverly points at them, her ascerbic words even throwing Selene off guard. The husky raises a paw, leaning her head down to sniff at it, her tail sliding between her legs.@@@@


    "And what if I did?" she challenges, one eyebrow raised. "Would you rather I left them behind? Then where would we be? Eating bland, flavorless mush like savages?"


    I stare at her, mouth agape.


    Really?


    "Close your mouth, girl. You''ll catch flies," Elverly snaps, turning back to the stove. "And make yourself useful. Chop those vegetables over there."


    Numbly, I move to the counter where a pile of vegetables sits waiting.


    I start chopping, the rhythmic thud of the knife against the cutting board matching the confused beating of my heart. The silence stretches between us, broken only by the sizzle of whatever Elverly''s cooking and the steady chop-chop-chop of my knife.


    "You know," Elverly says suddenly, her voice gruff as always, "a good chef always has their tools ready. Can''t make a proper meal without the right seasonings."


    I pause in my chopping, glancing over at her. She''s not looking at me, focused intently on stirring something in a pot.


    "But," she continues, "a chef is nothing without someone to cook for. What''s the point of all those spices if there''s no one to appreciate the meal?"


    Elverly turns then, fixing me with a glare that''s somehow softer than usual. "Don''t get any ideas, girl. I still think you''re a nuisance. But you''re my nuisance. And I''ll be damned if I let anything happen to you on my watch."


    A warmth blooms in my chest, chasing away the cold doubt that had settled there. I feel my lips quirk up into a smile.


    "Thanks. I like you, too."


    She huffs, turning back to her cooking. "Don''t push it. Now hurry up with those vegetables. I''m not getting any younger over here."