As Aurora stepped through the portal, she felt a slight shift in pressure, like stepping through a thin sheet of water. The moment her foot nded on solid ground again, she blinked in surprise at her surroundings. Mistral’s apartment was modest in size but unmistakably Canadian in style—functional yet cozy. The walls were painted in neutral tones, giving the space a modern but lived-in feel. Large windows overlooked the cityscape, their panes slightly fogged from the cold outside. A radiator hummed gently beneath one of them, diffusing warmth through the room.

  The living space had a distinctly academic touch. A bookshelf lined with college-level textbooks sat beside a sleek but well-worn desk, covered in scattered papers and a ptop. A comfortable, if somewhat cluttered, sofa was positioned in front of a curved television mounted on the wall, above a low wooden entertainment stand. A faux fur rug y across the floor in front of a gss coffee table, adding to the homey aesthetic.

  Aurora turned, eyes wide with wonder. They had stepped out from what appeared to be a storage closet, the door now looking completely ordinary, as if it had always been part of the apartment. She giggled at the thought of an interdimensional doorway being hidden behind stacks of winter coats and boxes - not a very original pce if you wanted to keep adventuring children from stumbling across such secrets.

  As Mistral moved further inside, a soft purring sound caught Aurora’s attention. She looked down just as a fluffy white cat nuzzled and rubbed against Mistral’s leg.

  “This is Mr. Plow,” Mistral said with a smile, bending down to scratch behind his ears. His tail stood straight up, puffy and happy. “He loves the snow, hence the name. Ever since he was a kitten, he’d py outside in it for hours. I like to think of him as my little animal guide—though, sadly, he doesn’t talk.” She chuckled.

  Aurora squeed and knelt down, watching as Mr. Plow rolled onto his back, exposing his fluffy belly with his paws curled up. Without hesitation, she reached out to rub it. “Nyaaaaa! Does that feel nice?” she cooed as the cat let out a contented purr.

  Mistral chuckled, watching her. “I’m gd to see you really do like cats. That’s pretty much a prerequisite. Mr. Plow requires a lot of love.” She winked.

  Seeming to understand that food was coming, the cat suddenly got to his feet, ears flicking forward. He trotted toward the kitchen, his little nose quivering as if he could already smell what was in store for him.

  Aurora stood, stretching her arms. “Your pce is nice,” she said warmly, turning to admire the view from the window. The city lights sparkled below, blending with the stars above in a way that reminded her of the sky back at the Sanctum.

  She turned to Mistral. “So, um… this is really where you live?” she asked, still soaking it all in.

  Mistral smiled softly. “Yeah, nothing too fancy, but it’s home. Well… when I actually sleep here.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Normally, I keep it tidier, but I’ve been busy tely. Sorry for the mess.”

  Aurora giggled. “This is way cleaner than my room,” she admitted.

  Mistral smirked. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  As they stood there, Aurora shifted her clothes again, forming a silvery nightgown with a high back, the ruffled skirt reaching just above her knees. Her wings shrank down as she transitioned into a more rexed, silvery-haired version of herself—something closer to how she imagined she’d look if she were just a regur eighteen-year-old girl next door. She wiggled her bare toes against the soft rug, enjoying the warmth.

  Mistral watched with an approving nod. “That’s an interesting trick. I bet that comes in handy.”

  “It does!” Aurora grinned. “I’m still working on the fine details though. But, um… I do have a question.”

  Mistral raised a curious brow. “Go ahead.”

  Aurora twiddled her fingers, looking down for a moment before gncing up shyly. “So, um… are we, like… dating now?” She giggled nervously, drawing out the word. It was a complicated word, one that had caused her a lot of internal conflict in the past. But now, more than ever, she hoped that this was more than just a fleeting moment.

  Mistral paused, then smiled softly. “Hmmm… I think it could work. Obviously, it would be long-distance, but yes.” Her voice was warm, reassuring. “I’d like that.”

  Aurora beamed, her heart fluttering.

  They held each other’s hands, and Mistral squeezed hers lightly. “I know we’re already here but to formalize it: You can stay here tonight if you want,” she offered. “There’s plenty of space, and honestly… I’d enjoy the company.”

  Aurora nodded eagerly. “I’d love to! And you have a cat! That just makes it better.”

  Mistral chuckled. “Good. That settles it.”

  She stepped into the kitchen, shaking her head with amusement as Mr. Plow impatiently meowed, his fluffy tail twitching.

  “Yes, yes, I know you’re hungry.” Mistral giggled and set a bowl onto the floor. The cat jumped down and started nomming intently.

  As Mr. Plow contentedly devoured his meal, Mistral sighed softly and let the colors of her costume fade away, revealing her civilian form. Denise smiled as she stretched, her ptinum-blonde hair shifting back to its natural dark hue. With a small gesture, she motioned for Aurora to follow her, leading her through a more thorough tour of her apartment.

  Their first stop was the bathroom. It had an old-fashioned charm, dominated by a vintage cw-foot bathtub standing on a tiled floor. The toilet had a simirly old-school look, and a fluffy bath rug softened the space. Two neatly folded towels hung from a towel rack, and beside the sink—an elegant basin with a mirror attached—Denise’s collection of makeup and beauty products was arranged neatly on a small table. “In case you need to use the facilities during the night,” she said with a wink.

  Aurora nodded in understanding before Denise led her across the hall to another door. “And here’s my bedroom,” she announced, pushing it open. A warm and cozy space greeted them, with a queen-sized bed covered in a soft, inviting comforter. The room had a lived-in, personal touch—framed photographs, a few small decorations, and a bedside table stacked with books.

  Denise turned to her with a pyful smile. “And this is where you’ll sleep—if you decide you’d like to sleep with me.”

  As if there was any other option! Aurora grinned mischievously and leaned against Denise, pyfully rubbing her cheek against her like a cat. “Purr, purr. I’m already moving in.”

  Denise giggled, brushing her fingers through Aurora’s silvery hair. “I’d like you to stay in your Aurora form, though. I’d cuddle you no matter what, but what we shared in the Sanctum… that’s for your older form only as things stand.” She hesitated, chewing her lip. “I know this could be a scandal if it got out—your secrets, our… retionship.”

  Aurora looked up at her with warm, trusting eyes. “I don’t care about that.” Her voice was soft but certain. The thought of keeping their bond hidden didn’t bother her—she just didn’t want Denise to be hurt because of it.

  Sensing the shift in mood, Aurora gnced around, then smiled to change the subject. “Your home is really nice.” She wandered to the window, peering out. Snow fell gently outside, bnketing the world in white. A radiator beneath the window sent a wave of warmth over her bare legs, making the moment feel even cozier. She could tell they were still in Canada, but the exact location remained a mystery. The overcast sky hid whether or not the Aurora Borealis was visible, but she could still feel the magic in the air.

  Denise chuckled. “Nah, my apartment’s a mess, but thanks for saying that.” She yawned slightly and stretched. “I have csses tomorrow, my college offers weekend csses so students can better bance work, family and school, so I can’t stay up too te. But if you’re hungry, I’ve got some leftover takeout in the fridge.”

  Aurora shook her head. “I’m good, actually. But I’d love to have a meal with you sometime.” She smiled wistfully. “Maybe I’m full from all that lovely starlight back in the Sanctum. We were bathed in it the whole time. You did say Empyreans don’t need to eat… Maybe if I stayed like this long enough, I wouldn’t either.”

  Denise nodded thoughtfully. “It’s possible. You might be able to sustain yourself that way. You’re still learning what you can do.”

  After a moment of contemption, Aurora finally asked, “I’ve been to so many wonderful pces today. Where are we now?”

  Denise smiled. “We’re in Saskatoon,” she revealed. “A little colder here than our other stops. Why do you ask?” She took Aurora’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  Aurora squeezed back, gazing up at her with a knowing smirk. “I could tell just from the air, but I knew we were in Canada. With you, I never know where we’ll pop up next.” She giggled. “At this point, I’d half-expect to find out we’re in an apartment on the Moon.”

  Denise ughed. “That’s beyond my abilities,” she admitted. “But if I could, I really would build you a home on the Moon.”

  Aurora’s heart fluttered at the thought. She blushed, then leaned up to kiss Denise. The kiss was soft, lingering, filled with warmth and unspoken promises.

  When they finally parted, Denise brushed a lock of hair behind Aurora’s ear and smiled. “But I should stop flirting so much. I really do need to get some sleep.” She led Aurora toward the bed. “You should reach out to your detective friend tomorrow and give him your new Society membership contact information.”

  Aurora followed her gaze toward the bed, warmth spreading through her chest. “I don’t have any pns for tomorrow, but for now, I want nothing more than to stay wrapped up in my hero’s arms.” She trailed off, her voice filled with genuine affection. “Tonight was special because of… you.”

  Denise ughed softly and pulled Aurora into a warm embrace. “I feel the same way. But let’s actually get in bed before we fall asleep on our feet.” She chuckled. “So much pillow talk, and we haven’t even made it under the covers.”

  Leading the way, she tugged Aurora toward the bed, pulling the bnkets back. “If you accidentally revert to your normal form, it’ll be fine,” she reassured her. “You’re safe here. But I’d practice staying as Aurora—it might help you develop better control.”

  Aurora nodded, slipping under the covers. As Denise settled in beside her, she immediately snuggled close, soaking in her warmth. The room was peaceful, the only sound the soft hum of the radiator and the occasional contented sigh from Mr. Plow as he curled up at the foot of the bed.

  “I never thought I’d ever find love,” Aurora murmured, her voice drowsy. She nuzzled against Denise, her heart full. “It’s enough for me that you accept me for all that I am.”

  Denise smiled and pressed a tender kiss to Aurora’s ear. “And you are the girl at the heart of the hero I… I love.”

  Aurora’s heart skipped a beat, but sleep was already pulling at her.

  Denise whispered, “Okay, we should really get some sleep. If you get too hot, I wouldn’t mind if you squirmed away.”

  “No way, no how…” Aurora mumbled sleepily, curling tighter against her.

  And just like that, she drifted off, wrapped in warmth, safety, and love.

  It felt like she had only just closed her eyes when Aurora was jolted awake by an arm.

  “Aaaaaauuuuhhhh…” Denise groaned beside her, stretching zily. “Ah, I forgot I have to bring you home,” she mumbled sleepily.

  Her dark hair had somehow worked itself into an absolute mess, tousled beyond belief. Aurora giggled softly, wondering if Mr. Plow had pyed a part in creating such a sight. Running her fingers through her own silver hair, she noticed that not a single tangle had formed. Must be one of the perks of being Empyrean.

  Denise, still half-asleep, instinctively pulled Aurora into a drowsy embrace, nuzzling into her warmth before finally waking up enough to focus on other things.

  “We’re still far northeast of San Isidro,” she murmured, rubbing her arms. “Do you want to shower before we head out?”

  Aurora wiggled under the covers, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She yawned up at the ceiling before turning toward Denise, smiling. “Good morning,” she said softly, her gaze affectionate and a little shy.

  Denise smiled back. “Fair enough.” She stretched, the motion pulling at the fabric of her pajamas, then chuckled. “I was the one who got dirty st night, after all.” Her ugh was soft and teasing. “Do you drink coffee or tea? I’ll fix you a hot drink and a quick breakfast.”

  “Yes, please! Coffee!” Aurora purred happily. “Whatcha got for cream?”

  Denise paused, a slow, wicked grin spreading across her lips. “Why are you asking me for cream again already? I already gave plenty.”

  Aurora blinked, then blushed furiously as the implication hit her. “I—I meant for the coffee!” she sputtered, covering her face with both hands.

  Denise ughed, giving her a pyful wink. “Rex, sweetheart. I’ve got French Vanil.” She stood and stretched again, her back arching slightly. “Come on out when you’re ready. A true hero always needs to start the day with a proper meal.”

  As she walked out, Aurora caught herself watching the way Denise’s pajamas hugged her bottom as she sauntered out of the bedroom. She buried her face in the pillow, muffling an excited giggle.

  After a moment of lying there and soaking in the memories of the night before, Aurora finally got up. She padded over to the window, still wrapped in her silvery, princess-like nightgown, and took in the sight outside. The snowfall had stopped, leaving the city bnketed in a pristine, glistening white. It had its own unique charm—quieter and more open than the gothic skyline of San Isidro. She could see a few modest skyscrapers and taller buildings, but nothing like her home city’s towering structures.

  After a few more moments of gazing outside, she made her way to the bathroom. She was a little surprised that she still felt the usual morning routine needs in this form, but then again, her body was mostly human in function. It made sense that basic biology still applied.

  When she emerged, freshly washed and feeling refreshed, Denise was waiting for her with a steaming cup of coffee. Sometime during her preparation, she had shifted back into her Mistral form, the ptinum blonde hair and cool, effortless grace fully restored.

  She handed Aurora the cup with a small smile. “Come sit with me at the kitchen table. It’s small, but it does the job. I found a cushion for you in case the wooden chairs are too uncomfortable.”

  Following her into the kitchen, Aurora spotted Mr. Plow happily chowing down, tail flicking in contentment.

  Cats were so simple. They either slept, ate, or purred. That was their entire purpose in life, and Aurora admired that about them.

  She took her seat across from Denise at the small wooden table, savoring the first sip of coffee with a blissful sigh. The warmth, the rich aroma—it was the perfect start to the morning.

  The breakfast spread was delightfully carnivorous: crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, and perfectly scrambled eggs.

  Aurora giggled as she ate, every bite as satisfying as Mr. Plow’s enthusiastic meal. The cat, now full, wandered over and rubbed against her leg, looking up at her expectantly.

  She reached down, scratching behind his ears. He arched his back, eyes closing in bliss as he purred deeply.

  “This is perfect,” Aurora murmured, smiling at Denise between bites. “A wonderful meal, great company, and an adorable cat demanding my attention. What more could I ask for?”

  Mistral chuckled, sipping her coffee. “I could think of a few things.”

  Aurora blushed but smiled into her cup, her heart feeling lighter than ever.

  “Mr. Plow! No begging,” Mistral chided gently. The white cat flicked his ears and gave her an affronted look before dramatically licking his fur around his neck, feigning innocence.

  Aurora giggled, then stealthily slipped him a tiny piece of bacon under the table. Mr. Plow paused mid-groom, then pounced on the treat with a little wiggle of excitement.

  And just like that, he was back to staring at her, his gaze intense, expectant.

  “You shouldn’t encourage him,” Mistral said with a ugh, shaking her head. “I spoil him too much as it is.” She finished her food quickly, watching in amusement as Aurora snuck Mr. Plow one st morsel.

  As Mistral set her empty pte aside, she leaned back and stretched. “I can’t teleport you home today, but I can at least fly with you a bit. With your speed, I doubt you’ll have any trouble getting back. Heck, through the miracle of time zones, you might even get home before the clock says you left.” She smirked. “But if you run into trouble, you can send me an S.O.S. I don’t mind following you part of the way, but I’d just slow you down, and I really can’t afford to miss my csses.”

  Aurora smiled. “I’ll be fine. But y’know… you should definitely install one of those handy teleport spells in my closet soon.” She winked and sipped the st of her coffee. “I think I can handle the trip solo. Actually, I can go even faster than you saw before. By the way, are you a student or a teacher? I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a professor.”

  Mistral ughed, clearly fttered. “Still a student, I’m afraid. Between the inheritance my parents left me and the support of the Society I have no trouble affording school and this apartment, but I am looking to finish my studies as soon as possible so I can dedicate more focus to my duties.” She shrugged, standing up.

  “The portal idea is a good one, though. I guess we’ll just have to figure out a way to stick a permanent rift through space-time in my girlfriend’s closet.” She smirked. “Whew… doesn’t that sound Freudian? Next we’ll be challenging the other to hang up first over Society-secured communication channels.”

  Aurora choked on a ugh as Mistral left the kitchen. On reflex, she gathered up the dishes and started washing them—an ingrained habit from home. By the time Mistral returned, now dressed for css in jeans, a long sweater, and a snug beanie, Aurora was drying the st pte.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” Mistral said, smiling warmly. “But thanks.”

  Aurora set the towel down and stepped over, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. “Habits die hard. Anyway, having obnoxiously lengthy calls with my long-distance girlfriend over the communicator sounds amazing. But I probably won’t be calling Midnight Avenger anytime soon. I think he’d be super grumpy if I asked him for help.”

  “Oh, definitely,” Mistral said, grinning. “He’d be annoyed unless it was a full-scale disaster.” She pulled out her communicator and showed Aurora the quick-dial feature. “You can call anyone in the Society by their hero name. Voice commands work too, so you don’t even have to fumble for buttons.”

  Aurora nodded, already pnning to test that feature ter. As Mistral tucked the device away, she stretched her arms. “If you’re leaving from here, I’ll walk you out.”

  “I don’t mind,” Aurora sighed, watching her with fond admiration. “I can just find an empty alleyway, change, and take off from there.”

  With a thought, she shifted her appearance, her silvery hair deepening to a vibrant red. The nightgown morphed into a stylish winter ensemble—a long white trench coat lined with soft fur, warm leggings, and knee-high snow boots. She added gloves and a snug hat to complete the look.

  Mistral gave an approving nod. “You’re getting really good at using that ability. I don’t think you’ve even scratched the surface of what you can do yet, but I’m already impressed.” She reached out, gently touching Aurora’s cheek. The clothes didn’t actually feel warmer, but they certainly looked cozy.

  Aurora beamed. “Thanks! I’m really looking forward to the flight home. The ndscape between here and San Isidro is going to be incredible. A real adventure!”

  Mistral led her out, walking beside her onto the snowy street. Aurora stole a few more lingering gnces at her, already feeling reluctant to say goodbye. But she had responsibilities waiting back home—Sarah to name the most important one. Her dear friend had long made it clear the path to romance was not happening, hence Aurora’s acceptance of Mistral’s advances, but Sarah still needed her.

  They finally reached a quiet spot where they’d have to part ways. Mistral smiled softly. “Be safe.”

  Aurora blew her a pyful kiss. “Always.”

  They went in separate directions, Aurora gncing back one st time before slipping into a deserted alleyway. She inhaled sharply, letting the anticipation build. Then, with a radiant burst of light, she transformed, wings unfurling in a dazzling cascade of energy.

  With a single, powerful beat of her wings, she rocketed skyward, streaking across the sky like a comet.

  The cold should have stung at this altitude, but she barely felt it.

  She had a goal. And nothing was going to stop her.