Reon sat quietly by the lakeside, its glassy surface reflecting the silver moonlight. Beside him, Cloudia rested in her delicate human form, while the little tiger—curled up adorably—lay nestled in his lap.
With one hand, Reon gently stroked the soft fur of the little tiger, and with the other, he absentmindedly patted Cloudia's silver hair. Slowly, both companions seemed to calm, lulled by his presence.
After a moment, Reon glanced at her and spoke softly, "Cloudia, are you feeling better now?"
"Y-Yes, Master… thank you," she replied in a quiet, shy voice, her cyan eyes flickering.
Reon withdrew his hand and looked at her thoughtfully. "Can I ask you something now? There's been a lot on my mind, and I'm… confused."
Cloudia nodded sweetly, though a hint of disappointment crossed her face as his touch left her. "Yes, Master. Please ask anything you wish."
Reon leaned forward, his curiosity sharp. "First of all—how did you manage to take human form so soon?"
