(Celine's POV)
I looked at Mirael and Kael, then glanced at the orange glow spilling through the windows. "Now, now, Mirael. Say your goodbyes. The sun is about to set, and Kael needs to get him back to the forest line."
Mirael's expression slumped into a small, saddened pout. She reached out with both hands, grabbing Kiro's cat ears one last time for a vigorous rub. "Oh, Kiro... come back and play again soon, okay?"
Kiro fidgeted, that rhythmic purr vibrating in his chest again. "You can say that normally too, Mirael..." he mumbled, his face turning pink. "Next time you come to my place, I'll show you around the Wilds."
"Eh!?" Mirael froze, her hands still on his ears as she snapped her head toward me. "Can I? Can I really go, Big Sister?"
I nodded with a smile. "Yes, but not just yet. Wait until I'm back from my trip to the sea, and then we'll see about a return visit."
"I'll come to your place next! It's a promise!" she chirped at Kiro, her excitement fully restored.
