Lucavion handed the stable owner a small pouch of coins, the quiet clink of metal filling the air as payment exchanged hands. The man gave a quick nod of gratitude before stepping back, letting them be.
Aeliana, watching the entire process with mild disinterest, turned her gaze back to Aether.
She reached out, fingers hovering just above the sleek black coat, intending to brush them gently against the horse's side—
Only for Aether to shift, flicking her ears away from the touch, a subtle movement that spoke volumes.
Aeliana blinked.
Then—
She hmphed, crossing her arms.
Lucavion chuckled under his breath. "She's particular."
Aeliana scoffed. "So is your cat."
Lucavion exhaled sharply, shifting his gaze ever so slightly—
And, sure enough, there she was.
Vitaliara.
At some point—probably when they were still walking through the city—she had appeared on him, settling comfortably against his shoulder, her small body nestled against his neck.
