"What did the imps buy, anyway?" I asked while studying the leaves.

The bright green oak leaves glowed in magic, and not just the outline that normally let me know something needed to happen with them. The green color didn't match what I knew of oak trees. Even in the spring, when the leaves first burst forth, this wasn't the same. But who knew what type of a magical tree these could be from?

"Items needed for making a small magical explosion," said the Cat.

"Really?" My head snapped in his direction with a frown.

"The book gave instructions for magical explosions, plus the moonflower and silverweed create bursts of color."

Now I wasn't sure if I should have sold the items to the imp. Yet, for some reason these leaves were important. I touched one with just the tip of my finger, and it buzzed.

"Cat, do you know anything about these?" I asked. "They're magic, and make my fingers tingle."

It didn't feel bad, but kind of like when you pressed a battery to your tongue. Or like a cool shiver up your spine on a hot day. I poked it again to make sure.

The Cat stared at the tip of my finger and padded closer to my hand. He sniffed the air as his tail flickered back and forth, again and again.

"What are they?" he asked quietly. "Describe them."

I paused, removing my fingers. "Three large oak leaves, each the size of my hand. What do you see?"

The Cat stepped closer, his paw almost touching one. He swatted at the air and his paw passed completely through the leaf without a sign.

"Nothing, I see and sense nothing…" said the Cat, curiously.

"You literally just touched it," I whispered.

He jerked his paw back, but the leaf hadn't moved at all.

I picked it up, still feeling the tingling where I touched it. I waved it in front of his face.

He leaned forward, but the leaf passed right through him, like an illusion.

"The imp must have played a trick on you," said the Cat, turning to look at the door. "They have magic and are strong with illusions. I warned you they are tricky buggers."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The Cat appeared not worried at all, but still I collected the three leaves and placed them on top of Betty. They stood out against the bright red color. The golden outlines remained.

I'd see what the Professor, or one of the dragons, thought the next time they came in.

"Well, at least we're done with them," I said with a smile. "Anything else on the to-do list for today?"

The Cat sighed and turned away from where I'd held up the leaf.

"Not that I know of, though that hasn't meant much," he grumbled, yet a feeling of sadness registered instead of annoyance.

I immediately scooped him into my arms and snuggled him. Maybe him sleeping next to my pillow had less to do with me, and more to do with him.

"Hey, you are an amazing, magical Cat who happens to be a stuck Fey Lord. But you have me, and maybe even bacon tomorrow morning…" Normally we ignored the whole he-was-a-fey-lord thing, but it felt important to say it.

The Cat jerked back, but let me give him head scratches.

"You're lucky you can cook and make coffee…" mumbled the Cat, and he turned to give me an easier reach to his right cheek.

I rolled my eyes and continued to give him scratches until he jumped down.

"You have the rest of the day free…"

"Sounds good," I said, while thinking about what candy to get for him and the dragons. Candy buttons for sure, along with bubble gum and a ring pop for sure. Maybe even some black licorice and some pixy stix.

My fingers tapped on the counter next to my cup as a few different varieties came to mind. My laptop rose from the countertop, and I smiled.

"Thank you, Betty," I whispered as I quickly started a shopping cart with two-day shipping, so everything would show up on time for the solstice.

Other ideas popped into my head of presents to get for the dragons. Indigo was coming home and going to bring her family. It had to happen, and I needed to be prepared.

No matter what.

***

It was hidden from me. Hopefully, Sable hadn't caught my untruth, but I didn't know what else to tell her. Nothing in the store should be hidden. It shouldn't be possible, not with what the store was. Yet, Betty… I destroyed the thought from entering my head. I warned Sable time and time again to not name things. Names gave power. Was this an effect?

It couldn't be. My reach couldn't be that far gone.

Could it?

Fear crept up my spine as I jumped up the stairs and made my way to the tree. Time slowed down, and I didn't dare look up until I stood in front of the pot. My tail twitched as I suddenly glanced up, almost holding my breath.

It stood there the same as yesterday.

The same leaves, same scent, and the same pot binding it in place.

Relief.

What was left of my people were still safe.

The cat tree stood next to the pot, towering high above it with the scent of that herb. It calmed me and helped me sleep. One such as I didn't sleep like a normal being. Yet, as time ticked by, more and more I caved to the little pleasures of being a cat.

How long until I…

Again I destroyed the thought before it could finish. Names and words were power. I dared not think it, or whisper it.

If it wasn't the shop or my power that only left them.

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