Kian didn't reply. He just picked up the wooden stirring stick, tested its weight, then placed it back down carefully.
A slow smirk tugged at Isabella's lips. "Aw, look at you," she teased gently. "All focused and hardworking. It's like you actually want to be here."
Kian slowly turned his head toward her. The flat, stone-cold glare he gave could have turned bubbling shampoo into ice.
"…Noted," Isabella said quickly, looking away. "I'll shut up now."
Silence hung between them for a moment before she cleared her throat and began pointing again.
"So first, we heat the Moonwater until it boils — not a violent boil, just a gentle one. You don't want to burn the essence."
She reached forward to pour the water into the cauldron, letting it settle over the flame. Steam began to rise, curling into the air like glowing mist.
"Then," she continued, "we add the Glowpetal Gel and Ashberry Oil. Slowly. Stirring constantly."
