Then she let Nox take her.
Nox's face lit up immediately.
"I knew it!"
She held Mel close, gently running her hand through her fur.
Mel didn't resist.
She even leaned slightly into it.
But through the link..
Arthur felt it.
"…You like that."
Mel didn't respond.
But the feeling was obvious.
Comfort.
Mixed with a bit of pride.
Arthur chuckled.
"Acting tough for no reason."
Nox looked at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He waved it off.
Nox went back to admiring Mel.
"She's really soft…"
Mel stayed quiet, but didn't pull away.
Arthur shook his head.
"…You switched up fast."
But it made sense.
Nox had tried to save her before.
That kind of thing stuck.
Arthur could feel it clearly now.
Respect.
Trust.
Not full.. but enough.
From the side, Selene muttered,
"She's already picking favorites."
Arthur smirked.
"Seems like it."
Then..
A cough.
Everyone froze slightly.
Arthur didn't need to look.
He already knew.
Commander Lyra.
She stepped forward, arms crossed.
