I think he likes me better

After we finished eating, I started helping clean up, though Thalindra tried to wave me off, insisting I didn't need to bother.

I insisted back, ignoring her grumbling until she gave up with an exaggerated sigh, muttering something about "stubborn, meddling sunshine types."

Just as I set down the last dish, Thalindra's little fox trotted in, his black fur gleaming in the light. He paused in the doorway, sniffing the air, before prancing over to me, his tail wagging in anticipation.

I knelt down, scratching behind his ears as he gave a happy little yap, his black fur as soft as ever under my fingers. Thalindra shot the fox a side-eye, raising an eyebrow as if daring him to get too comfortable.

The fox, however, had other ideas. With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he promptly hopped up on my lap, making himself at home and looking quite pleased with himself.