"Thalina?"
She turned—and exhaled in relief.
Zeriah.
Her friend, her savior, her unsuspecting assistant.
"Thank goodness you're here!" Thalina shoved a ridiculous amount of things into Zeriah's hands—a bundle of herbs, a bowl, a jar of honey, and something she hadn't even identified yet.
Zeriah blinked, clearly overwhelmed. "Uh… what?"
Thalina placed both hands on her friend's shoulders, her expression grave. "This is an important mission. A life-and-death matter. You're helping me."
Zeriah's lips parted. "I am?"
"Yes. You are."
A long pause.
Then, with the defeated sigh of someone who knew resistance was futile, Zeriah nodded. "Fine."
Thalina beamed. One step closer to victory.
Just then, a stampede of tiny paws.
Zeriah's leopard pups—four mischievous little menaces—came charging in like they had just escaped from prison. Their golden spots blurred as they tackled each other, their baby growls filling the air.
The moment Vanora saw them—
Poof.
She was gone.
