< Sophie's POV >

I lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling, wondering one thing:

Why?

Why did Keefe question my loyalty? Does he not trust me?

The thought loops endlessly in my mind, like a melody stuck on repeat. Even when I close my eyes, it won't go away.

Outside, I hear Sandor returning—heavy steps, a familiar grunt. He's back from his long day off with Grizel. I smile. He deserves it, after everything we've been through. He once told me that if nothing happened to me for two years, he might finally marry her.

Keefe had actually recommended the groove they kissed in to Sandor—classic Keefe. And judging by the look on Sandor's face earlier, it's now a well-used romantic hideout.

My thoughts drift from doubts to sweet memories, and slowly, love overwhelms worry. Sleep finds me at last.

xxx

The next morning, I'm jolted awake by a loud, primal screech—Gildie.

I shuffle to the window and spot her tending to her chicks, who are causing chaos in the nest.
They may look adorable, but those fluffballs are a menace.

Here at Havenfield, our animals are raised to be kind... but somehow, they always end up cheeky too.

I give Iggy a sleepy head-pat and wander downstairs.

On the table is a note written in Edaline's neat handwriting:

Darling Sophie,
We've gone to collect a herd of wild dinosaurs that have been disturbing human areas.
Breakfast is on the table—we'll be back later.

Love, Grady and Edaline

P.S. We invited Keefe over for lunch :)

I grin and pocket the note. Grabbing a butterblast, I sprint back upstairs to shower and change.

Flori is waiting outside my room, smiling warmly.

"Hey Flori! What's good?" I greet her, more awake now.

"Good morning! Mistress Della dropped off a closetload of clothes," she chuckles, motioning to a massive stack of wrapped packages. "Mistress Edaline asked me to wait for you to bring them in."

I groan dramatically but smile. "Of course she did."

Flori and another gnome help me lug the new clothes inside. I tear into the packaging and start sorting.

Gowns. Frills. Summer dresses. Lace. Taffeta.

Nope. Nope. Double nope.

Eventually, I dig out a pair of knee-high metallic boots and a red leather tunic—finally, something wearable. I stash the rest in the back of my closet and send Della a quick thank-you via imparter (with extra sparkle emojis to soften the rejection).

Then I take a long, hot shower, letting my doubts and worries swirl down the drain.

Afterward, I yank on my new outfit and let Vertina twist my hair into a half-updo. She tries to talk me into makeup and a barrette, but I stop her before she goes full pageant-queen.

xxx

Back downstairs, I find Grady at the sink, elbow-deep in soap and dinosaur feathers.

"Hey, Dad. How're the dinosaurs settling in?" I ask, holding back a laugh.

"Weeeellllll, they're one rowdy bunch," he sighs, smiling despite the mud in his eyebrows.

"As usual," I giggle. "Where's Edaline?"

"Oh, she got it worse than me," he gestures to his stained clothes. "She's showering."

"Yikes. And you invited Keefe to lunch? That early in the morning?"

Grady shrugs. "I invited him yesterday, actually."

My eyes narrow playfully. "Hmm... he's growing on you, huh?"

"Heck yeah," he mutters, trying not to smile.

"Well, maybe you should go shower too," I suggest, eyeing the dirt trail he's left behind.

"Yup, probably should." He tugs at his shirt and gags as something long and slimy comes out of the collar.

"Ew—what is THAT?!" I laugh, backing away.

"No clue," he groans. "Just remind me never to go dinosaur-wrangling with just Edaline again."

He trudges upstairs, muttering to himself, and I head outside.

The pastures are sun-drenched and peaceful. I spot Silveny rolling down a grassy hill, her silvery coat turning green with streaks of crushed leaves.

I almost join her—but then remember I just showered. Instead, I gather panakes petals with Wynn and Luna, chatting and laughing in the breeze.

Life at Havenfield is a rollercoaster. But it's mine.
And lucky for me, I love animals.
I don't mind getting my hands dirty.