On a quiet afternoon, Emerald curled up on the sofa, looking like a content cat.

Alaric took the opportunity to drape a light blanket over her. Emerald stirred from her sleep, blinking up at him and mumbling, "Are you done?"

He gently brushed his hand across her cheek, replying softly, "Not yet. I'm just worried you'll catch a cold with all the air conditioning in here."

Emerald crawled onto him and nuzzled his neck, murmuring, "I love you so much, Aric."

"You're so sweet," Alaric teased, tapping her nose. He couldn't help but smile at how endearing she was.

It was hard for him to imagine that Emerald would one...