A Game of Persistence

Ethan leaned lazily against the wooden counter of Fixina’s apothecary shop, watching as she moved around with effortless grace. Shelves lined with ancient books, jars filled with strange herbs, and bottles containing glowing liquids surrounded them, giving the space an eerie yet captivating charm.

He had been here countless times, but no matter how familiar the place became, Fixina always remained an enigma to him. The witch who barely tolerated him. The woman he was maddeningly drawn to.

“Tell me, Fixina,” Ethan drawled, crossing his arms. “Are you ever going to admit you like having me around?”

Fixina barely spared him a glance as she reached for a glass vial, pouring a dark purple liquid into a cauldron. “I tolerate you, wolf. Don’t mistake that for liking you.”

Ethan smirked. “Tolerate is just one step away from like. And like is only a few more steps away from love. We’re making progress.”