Sod on her dress, purple buds behind her ear, she’d tipped her head and swallowed him whole with intent dark eyes, declaring, “I’m Lia Dannan. If you give me a boost to catch that gnawer, I’ll be your best friend forever.” He helped her then. He’ll help her now. But as a veil of particles rushes near, his fist still tightens. Some hate cats. Some hounds. Hart will always loathe magic. But he can’t convince himself to loathe the girl who calls it.
