“I met another familiar today,” said Peppermint to Ina.

“Oh?” said the witch as she sorted her herbs. “What was it?”

“An owl,” said the white fox.

“Awww. Owls are so cute. I hope I get to meet its master soon.”

The amber glow of fire illuminated some trunks of the forest’s trees. Kier walked among the woods at night with a vacant look, guided by his magical sense to the other magic user. A sphere of flames kept going out in a small explosion and reappearing, hovering just above his open palm.