Page 38 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

The Dreamweaver cub was still in the same area when Carol returned, though it had ventured slightly out from behind the bushes. It froze when it saw her, its twin tails puffing up defensively.

"Hey there, little one," Carol said softly, kneeling down on the garden path about ten feet away. She set the basket down and pulled out the dried mackerel. "I brought you something."

The creature's nose twitched. Its ears perked up slightly.

"I heard you like fish," Carol continued, placing a piece of mackerel on the ground and sliding it gently toward the creature. "This is mackerel. It's supposed to be really good."

The cub watched her warily, but its eyes were definitely on the fish.

Carol slowly backed up a few steps, giving it space.

The creature hesitated for a long moment, then crept forward cautiously. It sniffed the air, then the fish, then finally—delicately—picked up the mackerel with its teeth and retreated back to its safe spot to eat it.

"Good job," Carol murmured, placing another piece on the ground, this time a bit closer to where she sat.

The cub ate the first piece, licked its whiskers (all of them—it had more whiskers than a normal cat), and eyed the second piece.

This time, it approached more quickly.

Piece by piece, Carol drew the creature closer, until finally it was eating from her outstretched hand, its rough tongue tickling her palm as it licked up the last bits of fish.

"You're so beautiful," Carol whispered. Up close, she could see that its fur was incredibly soft-looking, and its glowing amber eyes held surprising intelligence. "And you're all alone out here, aren't you?"

The creature made a soft meowing sound that went straight to Carol's heart.

"Would you like to come with me?" Carol asked softly. "I have a very comfortable room with lots of pillows. And I take excellent naps. Your dream-weaving ability would be very appreciated."

She held out the bowl of warm honeyed milk.

The cub sniffed it, then began to lap it up enthusiastically, moving closer until it was practically in Carol's lap.

Slowly, carefully, Carol reached out and gently touched the soft fur on its head.

The cub paused its drinking, looked up at her with those glowing amber eyes, and made a decision.

It pushed its head into her hand, purring.

The game interface blazed to life:

FAMILIAR BOND FORMING!

Dreamweaver Cub has accepted you as its bonded companion!

Bond Status: Forming... 50%... 75%... 100%

BOND COMPLETE!

Congratulations! You have bonded with your first familiar!

Please name your companion:

[Name: _____________]

Benefits of Bond:

● Familiar will remain loyal to you for life

● You can sense each other's emotions and general location