“So I was thinking, if we could just get those two alchemical concepts to link up in the right order, we'll be able to—what the ever-loving hell is that THING?” Sierra’s ramblings about her project with Miguel came to an abrupt halt as she scrambled away from the animal that had appeared in the doorway.

Kalli looked up from where she was sitting at her girlfriend's feet, reading Star Wars fic on her phone and occasionally offering an “mmhm” or “cool” or “yeah”.

“Kitty!” Kalli exclaimed, and flopped over, arms outstretched and clicking her tongue to entice it towards her. The cat ignored her and went straight for the sun-soaked bay window across the room.