Chloe practically almost jumped out of the armchair when Lachlan snapped his fingers directly in front of her face. She looked around in the dark study, before her crimson eyes settled on him. “Whoa…”

“It’s good to take breaks,” he said, removing her “work” from the paper table. “How was it?”

“Weird, but like, a good weird. Who was that?”

“Someone joining up with the same people that gave me this.” He tapped on the side of the typewriter. “Vermillion would absolutely not be where they are now if they hadn’t written me a letter. Makes sense that it’d be the first one.”

“It was like…I was looking over her shoulder the entire time. Like I was there but I wasn’t her.”

“Yeah, third person does that. Usually first dives aren’t informative, but you scored gold this time.”

She stuck out a tongue at him. “What’s that mean?”

“Never thought our shapeshifting friend would actually find common ground with someone, if only for a second. Hopefully he leaves them alone for a bit. They’ve been through quite enough if you ask me. Maybe one day I’ll introduce you.”

“Didn’t take you for the sentimental type.”

“I'm sentimental towards you, aren’t I?”

She furrowed her brow. “Which…one is sentimentality again?”

“I’ll teach you again later.” Lachlan inserted a fresh sheet of paper into the typewriter. “The storks aren’t here yet, so wanna go again?”

“Hell yes.” Chloe grinned, placing her hands back over the keys and taking a controlled breath.

“This time,” Lachlan said, looking over her shoulder. “Think of someone you know.”