Page 62 of Lost in the Fog

She got to her feet and nodded to Myrtle, Gia, and Pandora. Pandora got up and hugged her, trying to tip her into a shape shift, but nothing.

Kay laughed and said, “See you later.”

Pandora sat down and drummed her fingers on the table. “Myrtle, is there anyone in the queen’s book that isn’t an Elite?”

“Well, no one is described as Elite or not. Fog, wraith, the betrayed. That is how we are described. There is the siren, the mother, the forgotten, the runner, warrior. That is as far as I can see now. Some of the names are super vague as well. The dancer, the bard, the creator.”

Pandora winced. “Must be frustrating.”

“Yeah, but then Teyval gives me a backrub, and I get back to my work.” Myrtle shrugged. “I let the plots I can’t focus on float away.”

Pandora sighed. “So, I know I confirmed it, but you are going to walk in the fashion show? It’s here downtown, so no long commute.”

Myrtle and Gia both nodded. “We are doing it.”

Pandora clapped her hands. “Neat. Sorry. I haven’t done anything this big before. I am kinda nervous.”

Gia grinned. “Ira is super excited. Seeing elves in costumes is making her year.”

Myrtle chuckled. “I am pretty sure I will have enough brain stimulation out of this to write a whole new series.”

Pandora grinned, they had coffee, and then she returned to her shop, where Kay was organizing the custom orders. “You are too efficient for your own good. Did Lydia and Lyric have a nice time?”

“They had a great mother-daughter day. Lydia is content to stay at her shorter height, but Lyric is into the entire six-foot-plus omega thing.” Kay finished arranging the production order. “We have supplies in place for everything. You can start on this whenever you want.”

Pandora grinned. “Thank you. So, what are you?”

“Irritated if you keep asking. Why don’t you get a few things so you don’t have to wear sweats around the house?”

“Oh, good idea.”

“I started a pile for you. Also, I would recommend draping yourself across Knur regularly. He needs it, and so do you.”

“How do you know all of this stuff?”

“I’m complicated.” Kay grinned. “I am also off for the day. Congratulations on your match.”

“Thank you. It just feels so right, you know?”

Kay got her things together and left, leaving Pandora selecting outfits from her collection and noting them down next to the register. She hadn’t grabbed her wallet, so she would pay herself tomorrow.

She chatted with a few customers and then got the notice that it was home time. She grabbed her bags and headed for her car. She would have to move her stuff out of the palace, but that could wait for another day. Today, she was going home and then figuring out where Zhin hid the cookies. There had to be cookies.

Kay had been right. One evening of sitting on Knur’s lap whenever she was near him made for some complicated eating, but she felt something unlock in both of them. Her fear of being torn away melted, and his helpless frustration began to fade.

Zhin needed less reassurance. His nature was calmer and more inevitable. The forest was always there.

Pandora cuddled between them on the couch and watched a documentary about the glaciers. She was on Knur’s lap, and Zhin was stroking her from the thighs to her toes.

Knur asked. “What drew you to sewing clothes?”

She looked up at him. “You are kidding, right? I grew a foot, and they don’t make pretty clothing for women this tall. I had to do it myself. Finding Kay was sheer luck. The touches she puts on my clothing double the value.”

“How did you find her?” Zhin asked.

“Don’t know. She was just there.”

Knur murmured, “Didn’t you mention that she was at the Stronghold?”

---