This thing is just screaming for a cuddle!
Despite the whirlwind of chaos that had unfolded with the creature or rather, the overly energetic puppy-turned-demon peace began to settle back over us as we stumbled away from the clearing.
I felt a warm glow of contentment radiating from our earlier antics, and I couldn't help but chuckle every few steps, remembering how we had turned a potentially dangerous creature encounter into an absurd circus act.
"I can't believe that actually worked," Ciara said, nudging me playfully as we walked through the winding paths of the castle grounds.
Her cheeks flushed with laughter, and her hair was a wild mess, strands dancing in the cool breeze. "I was half convinced we were going to end up lunch for a rabid bear or something, and instead, we got a demon puppy that loves snack rocks!"
"Not just any snack rocks, but 'Aeliana's special delivery,'" I said with mock pride, puffing out my chest dramatically. "I should start charging for my culinary skills!"