Moments later,

Author

Aria stopped in the kitchen doorway, and for a long moment, she just watched.

The room was usually orderly - shelves lined with jars, counters wiped clean, everything in its place. Now it was a scene of glorious, controlled chaos. Flour dusted the table like snow. Bowls stacked everywhere. A wooden spoon lay abandoned on the floor. And in the middle of it all stood Malphas - High King of the North, ancient demon, wielder of shadow and flame - wearing an apron that was far too small, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, staring intently at a pot like it held the secrets of the universe....