Nora's POV
"Finally back where I belong," I sigh, letting my bag fall to the floor with a satisfying thud. Mack darts ahead of me, clearly trying to escape Zerra's thunderous approach. The sound of her paws against the hardwood could easily be mistaken for a stampede charging through our home. Rhianna and Evangeline approach with far more dignity, their graceful movements a stark contrast to Zerra's enthusiasm. I bend down and lift Rhianna into my arms, stroking her silky fur.
"So what's been happening while I was gone?" I ask them, heading straight for the refrigerator to retrieve the turkey I prepared earlier this week. All four of my familiars congregate around me now, and Zerra releases the most heart-wrenching, high-pitched whimper I've ever heard. "Lucky you," I mutter when Evangeline informs me that she and Rhianna spent their day basking in the conservatory's warm sunlight, simultaneously monitoring the protective barriers surrounding our property.
