Grateful*

Isabella's tail swished with anticipation as she carefully arranged golden-brown pastries on a silver tray. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafted through the air. 

Today, she felt like eating something... Yalmir-style. She wasn't sure why, but here she was, with a full-course meal in her hands before the small hand on the clock on the wall had even reached the center. 

She hummed softly, lifting the tray and making her way through the Summer household.

As she approached the garden doors, Isabella paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

The events of the past few days weighed heavily on her mind. The image of her mother, bloodied and broken after the Shadow Mage attack, refused to fade.

Isabella shook her head, forcing a smile as she pushed open the ornate glass doors.