Page 81 of Chasing Stripes

The raw honesty of his declaration washed through their bond. The golden light intensified, spreading outward from where they touched until it filled the small room with warmth. On a nearby shelf, a jar of honey began to glow in response, and the potted herbs in the windowsill suddenly bloomed out of season.

Words failed her. Instead, Artemis rose on tiptoes, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that conveyed everything she couldn’t articulate. He responded instantly, one hand sliding into her hair while the other drew her closer.

A soft knock finally interrupted them.

“I hate to disturb what is clearly a meaningful moment,” Kalyna called through the door, her voice caught between amusement and embarrassment, “but you should probably know that the spice rack is rearranging itself out here, and three batches of dough have decided to rise without yeast.”

Artemis laughed softly against Bartek’s lips, her forehead resting against his. “We should probably go help.”

“Probably,” he agreed, though he made no move to release her.

“Though I’m genuinely curious to see what else our magic might spontaneously animate,” she added with a small smile.

He chuckled, the sound a rumble she felt through her body. “Maybe we should find out after we save the town.”

“It’s a date,” she promised, reluctantly stepping back from his embrace but keeping their fingers intertwined.

When they rejoined the others, the planning had evolved into organized chaos. Maps covered every surface, magical communication devices beeped and pulsed, and pride members arrived in waves to assist with preparations. No one commented on the golden glow that still emanated from Artemis and Bartek’s joined hands, though Haavi’s knowing smirk suggested he had plenty of opinions he was mercifully keeping to himself.

The bakery’s front door swung open again, revealing Gloria with the twins bouncing excitedly on either side of her.

SEVENTY-TWO

“Tooth & Claw will serve as our secondary command center,” Bartek instructed the assembled group. “The bar’s security system is state-of-the-art—I designed it to protect pride interests and investments.” The establishment Artemis had once viewed as merely a neighboring business revealed its strategic importance—another layer of protection Bartek had built for those under his care.

“We want to help!” Lily announced, her voice carrying an authority that belied her tiny stature.

“We have special tiger senses!” Jade added, nodding emphatically.

Gloria’s expression conveyed both apology and exasperation. “They sensed something was happening and absolutely refused to stay at the pride house. Apparently, they have a personal stake in rescuing their aunt and uncle.”

The casual inclusion of Artemis in the family struck her with unexpected warmth. The twins had accepted her without question, incorporating her into their world with the simple, complete certainty only children could manage.

Bartek knelt to their level, his expression softening in a way that made Artemis’s heart flutter. “It’s too dangerous for little tigers,” he explained gently. “We need you to stay safe.”

The twins exchanged a look of silent communication before Lily planted her hands firmly on her hips. “We can smell things grown-ups can’t,” she insisted.

“Like what?” Artemis asked, genuinely curious despite the gravity of the situation.

“Like sadness,” Jade said with complete conviction. “And secrets. People smell different when they have secrets.”

Gloria attempted to steer them toward the kitchen. “I brought magical cookie dough to keep them occupied,” she explained. “I thought they could help bake while we?—”

“Wait,” Thora interrupted, her sabertooth instincts suddenly alert. “The twins might be onto something.”

Artemis crouched beside Bartek, addressing the twins directly. “What does sadness smell like?”

Lily scrunched her nose in concentration. “Like rain on metal. And old books.”

“And secrets smell spiky,” Jade contributed solemnly. “Like when someone wears too much cologne to hide something else.”

The adults exchanged skeptical glances, but something tingled at the edge of Artemis’s awareness. “The person who left my mother’s journal in our quarters—you said they smelled sad.”

The twins nodded in perfect unison.

“Very sad,” Lily confirmed. “But also... hopeful? Like when you’re crying but also smiling.”

“That’s not a smell,” Haavi objected, but Gloria raised her hand to silence him.

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