I shrieked.
It wasn’t dignified. It wasn’t subtle. It was the kind of sound that came straight from the spine, bypassing reason entirely. I jumped to my feet so fast I nearly knocked over a chair, my heart slamming against my ribs.
“WHAT—”
The toad sat there, smug as ever, staring up at me with an expression that could only be described as pleased.
Ribbit.
I clutched my chest. “You cannot…do that.”
Ribbit.
Celeste burst out laughing.
It wasn’t a polite chuckle or a restrained snort. She full-on had shoulder shaking with laughter that echoed off the walls and startled a sprite somewhere near the ceiling. And I realized she’d planned it with him.
“Oh my word,” she gasped. “Mom, your face.”
“I nearly died,” I said weakly.
The toad hopped once, clearly unrepentant.
Celeste wiped at her eyes, still giggling. “I think he likes you. Maybe he feels bad.”
“That makes one of us,” I muttered.
She sat up and patted the rug beside her. The toad hopped obediently closer, settling between us.
I sighed and sank back down, rubbing my temples. “This is… unsustainable.”
Celeste tilted her head, amusement fading just a little. “I figured this was coming.”
I studied her face, the firelight catching in her eyes, the magic there quiet but present.
“I know this isn’t easy to talk about,” I said gently. “And I don’t want to rush you. But we need to start thinking about turning him back.”
Her gaze dropped to the toad. He blinked up at her, then ribbited softly, as if he were attempting innocence.
“I didn’t mean to do it,” she said quietly.
“I know,” I said immediately. “I know you didn’t.”
She swallowed. “Part of me doesn’t regret it.”
I hesitated and nodded. “That part makes sense, too.”
She let out a breath. “It felt… powerful. Like something snapped into place.”
“That’s why it worked,” I said softly. “And why undoing it needs care. I spoke with everyone about the timing of things and what’s ahead for us.”
She glanced at me. “Did Nova offer to help?”
“Yes.”
“And Bella? And Ardetia?”
“Yes,” I said again, smiling faintly. “You’re well supported.”
