Page 26 of Lost in the Fog

“I had to wait, and then one day, the wall cracked. I think that was Win. Anyway, I squeezed out through the tiny crack, and it took a long time to get me out. When I was in the bright light, I realized I had an issue, but then the wind swirled and carried me away. A decade of spinning through the world, continent to continent, until I ended up back here. Regis and Ira pulled me out of a pond, took me in, and let me be human again. They made me family and helped me become me again.”

Knur stared at her. “So, what kind of gifts does your friend and her daughter like?”

“Ira is really into drawing and sports, so good-quality sketchbooks are always in demand. As for Regis, I wouldn’t think anything but plants she can put in the gardens. She’s expecting a lot of guests, so something for them to do would be a good idea.”

She looked at them. “So, the king is in the world somewhere?”

They paused and nodded. Zhin smiled. “He’s around. He’s waiting and said we will know when it happens.”

She smiled and went for a third cupcake. “He doesn’t have to wait much longer.”

Knur caught on immediately. “That is what you are doing this weekend.”

“Correct. The strongest Elite omegas are converging on the Stronghold and extracting those who are being confined and those who are deluded into thinking that being a slave is an occupation.”

He slowly nodded and then blinked. “It is happening now?”

“It is. More or less. A few more days. Then, if you are still interested, we can form a bond, pick one of these houses, and I can spend my days commuting between my business and Ira and you two.”

Zhin cocked his head. “What is your business?”

“I have a small clothing shop that makes outfits for tall ladies. Business has been suddenly picking up.” She smiled.

Zhin took his phone out. “Pandora Designs.”

“Yup. That’s me. I am not in the big leagues, but I am doing all right. Wait, how do you know?”

“We are doing the marketing and advertising for the costume competition.”

“Oh. That. I still have a few to make, but Ira helped with the designs.”

“Who are your models going to be?”

“Uh, some of the omega ladies. Why?”

“What about for the men’s costumes?”

“Ah. I have them, I just haven’t thought about who is going in them.”

He grinned. “I volunteer.”

Khur swallowed. “Me, too.”

“You guys are up for some prancing?”

“Yes.” They both grinned.

“Fine. I will ask the ladies with attached mates. They are going to be easier to convince.”

Zhin chuckled. “So, what are we going to be dressed as?”

“Well, if I do quick changes, then one will be one zodiac, and the other will be one six months away, so I have time to get into the different gown, mask, and accessories.”

Knur smiled. “I will be Aries, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure. I will put you down for the horns.”

He grinned. “I bring my own.”

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