Sylvette's eyes were still wide as she pointed toward the clearing. "What… what was that thing, Noel?"
Noel exhaled slowly, brushing some dirt off his sleeve. "That thing," he said, glancing down at the small black wolf now wagging her tail at his feet, "is Noir."
Sylvette blinked, confusion deepening. "Noir? You mean that shadow that used to follow you around in the academy?"
"Yeah," Noel nodded, crouching to scratch behind the wolf's ear. Noir leaned into the touch, her violet eyes gleaming faintly. "She's my familiar."
Sylvette stared at him like he'd grown another head. "Your familiar? Noel, that beast was five meters tall two minutes ago."
"She's… adaptable," Noel replied dryly.
Noir let out a soft sound, half huff, half purr, and flicked her tail in satisfaction. Sylvette took a hesitant step forward, curiosity replacing fear. When she knelt down, Noir sniffed her hand once before letting her pet her head. The fur was surprisingly warm.
