He pushed open the courtyard gate, and a familiar scent washed over him.
The distinctive charred aroma of grilled meat patties mingled with the wonderful scent of spices and fat sizzling at high heat.
That familiar smell filled him with the peaceful feeling of coming home.
It seemed Ms. Cassandra was already preparing dinner.
Was Zoya still out taking odd jobs, or was she on her way back?
Just as he was about to head upstairs, a familiar voice drifted out through the half-open kitchen window.
"Bruce, wait a little longer. It needs to fry a bit more before it's done."
He Xi stopped in his tracks.
Was that Zoya's voice?
Was she home?
And... cooking?
He Xi slowly walked toward the kitchen, glowing with warm yellow light.
Steam billowed through the cramped space.
Ms. Cassandra was busy slicing radishes at the cutting board, an apron tied around her waist.
Beside her, at the stove, stood the elf girl who was always in the habit of hiding herself beneath shadows and a mask. At that moment, she was holding a spatula rather awkwardly.
She had taken off her mask, revealing a face that could take one's breath away.
The firelight had turned her cheeks bright red, and a few strands of silver hair clung messily to her forehead.
She was concentrating intently on the patties sizzling in the pan, looking even more serious than when she faced monsters.
Bruce was sitting at Zoya's feet, eyes fixed on the stove and tail wagging furiously.
"Flip it once more. Careful not to burn it," Ms. Cassandra said with a smile.
"Mm." Zoya answered softly, turning the patty over with a clumsy but careful motion.
He Xi stood outside the window and watched for a long while without saying a word, until Bruce