Chapter 192: Showcase, Part Ten

{Armia}

Something small and rough was licking Armia's face.

In her dream, it was a tiny kitten, all fluff and purrs. The kind Darien used to bring home, much to their father's exasperation...

"Mmm... Come 'ere..." Armia murmured as she pulled that kitten closer.

But, then she woke up.

Reality crashed in as Armia opened her eyes to find Isabella's pink tongue dragging across her cheek.

"What are you doing?" It wasn't really a question. More like a warning.

Isabella, predictably, just grinned, her fox ears twitching playfully.

"Waking you up! Margaret said you've been oversleeping lately." Her tail wagged. "I thought I'd help, ya know?"

Despite that, Armia couldn't help but consider if Isabella had other motivations.

[Melisa did mention Isabella's been acting weird lately,] Armia thought, wiping her face. [Though 'weird' for Isabella is a pretty high bar.]