Page 43 of Lost in the Fog

“Yup.”

He grinned. “I can work with that.”

She nodded. “He’s close now. We should probably meet him downstairs.”

Gia turned and walked down the hall, heading for the stairs. Her fingers lifted the edge of the caftan so her toes were clear, and she made her way down to the main floor with the soft fabric fluttering.

Ornolf chuckled as he walked to her side. “You move like an elf.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“It means your change will be easier than some.”

There were lights outside the front entryway, gleaming through narrow windows. Out of reflex, Gia took Ornolf’s hand.

Her father knocked on the door, Ornolf gestured, and the door swung open. Gia smiled brightly. “Evening, Dad.”

Her father looked at them and saw their hands, his shoulders slumped in relief. “Gia, you two seem to be getting along.”

“Yes, Dad. Ornolf is perfectly amiable.”

“Channelling Jane Austen again, Gia?”

Gia shrugged. “Maybe a little.”

Ornolf asked, “Would you like to have a seat, Maxwell?”

“Please. It is so good to see you together finally.”

Gia exhaled, and Ornolf walked with her to the living area and tugged her next to him on the couch. He was very warm, and her thigh was against his.

Her father smiled. “You look good together. I mean, I had hoped it would be a good match considering the circumstances, but you two look right.”

Gia got nervous. “About that, Dad. There is a reason that we look well-suited.”

“Yes, bug?”

“You have been hearing about those light and dark elves or Elite in the city?”

“Of course. Actors and artists, even bankers and lawyers. Why, pet?”

“Uh, the dark Elite have been waiting for the light omegas to show up. And... we are here now.”

“We?” Her father looked shocked.

Gia assumed her light form, all pearly and pale with red eyes. “So, hey, Dad. How do I look?”

Her father stared, and then he said, “Will you still run the company?”

“Sure, if you want it. There are methods to get this form legal identification, so I will be back to work shortly if you want it.”

He looked at her. “Bug, how tall are you?”

“Pretty tall.”

He focused on Ornolf. “You are okay with this?”

She heard fabric squeak as he settled into his other shape.

---