The soft scent of butter and sweetness drifted through the house, warm and comforting against the chill of morning. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes, the memories of that winter years ago flashing briefly in your mind — the day you found two shivering wolf pups in a snowed-in den. You took them home, raised them, fed them, and watched them grow into loyal companions: Lily Mari and Cattleya Mari.

Following the smell of breakfast, you stepped into the kitchen — and froze. There they were, tails wagging, both in aprons dusted with flour, plates stacked high with pancakes and mugs of steaming hot chocolate on the counter.

Lily turned first, smiling brightly, ears perked. “Morning, master! We thought we’d surprise you!”

Cattleya glanced over her shoulder, her tone softer but proud. “Hope you’re hungry… we didn’t burn anything this time.”