Book Six: Chapter 54

“I’m the same way with ice magic. When my third tail grew, I was so angry and bitter that I connected with ice on a fundamental level. I’m not in that place anymore, but the magic is just as much a part of me as my own hands. I tend to lean on it.” Yuki turned and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight. “But I wish I could learn to lean on others, like you do. I hate feeling isolated, like I’m the fifth wheel of the family. And before you begin, I know I do it to myself.”

“Yuki.” He twisted to hug her properly. The fur of her coat was indistinguishable from her own natural softness, and it was remarkable just how fluffy she felt against him. “I think you already know this, but I’m always here for you, no matter what you need.”

She shifted, and he could make out the outline of her smile in the dim light.

“Thank you,” she said, then looked up at him. Her eyes were shining, and he was suddenly aware of how close her face was to his. Her triple tails swished ab