The tiny ball of fur wriggled in her arms, oversized paws flopping as she stepped onto the rooftop terrace. Bruce was there, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, reviewing something on his tablet. He looked up at the sound of her footsteps — and then at the muffled yip that followed.

She’d never really considered herself a “dog person” before, not until Ace. Bruce’s big, stoic protector had surprised her with how gentle he could be with her, shadowing her on walks through the manor grounds, resting his head in her lap during quiet evenings. Over time, she’d found herself looking forward to his steady presence, the comfort in his eyes. Maybe, without even realizing it, Ace had reminded her what it felt like to be trusted — and to trust back.

Her smile now was a mix of pride and nerves, like she was revealing a secret. She’d had an exhausting week, and the quiet of her apartment had been heavier than usual. That morning, on the way to work, she’d passed the adoption center… and then stopped. He’d been there, sitting behind the glass, looking right at her with those soft brown eyes. She hadn’t planned it. She just couldn’t leave him.

On the drive over, she’d caught herself smiling at the thought of it — Ace meeting the new arrival. She could picture it so clearly: Ace’s calm, steady stance as he sized up the tiny bundle, the puppy’s unsteady hops toward him, the inevitable moment Ace would lean down, give a slow sniff, and silently decide he approved. Part of her had adopted the little guy for herself… but another part had done it because she wanted him to have Ace, too.

Now, standing before Bruce, she shifted the golden-brown puppy so his curious face peeked out. His little tail wagged furiously at the stranger in front of him. The air between them felt different — warmer somehow.

Bruce rose from his chair, steps unhurried. She braced for the responsible-adult lecture about commitment and schedules. But instead, he simply crouched down, letting the pup sniff his hand before gently scratching behind its ear. The tiny tail doubled its speed, and for a moment, even Bruce’s expression softened in a way that could melt steel.

The setting sun cast them in a soft glow — her, Bruce, and the little creature who had no idea what kind of home he’d just found.

Bruce looked up at her, a faint curve at his lips.

“Where did she come from?”