After the chaos, Zuri, Caden, and the intruder—whose name was revealed as Lyric—sat in the library, trying to catch their breath.
Zuri offered Lyric tea. "Not magical, just tea. Safe."
Lyric smiled nervously. "Thank you. I… I thought you'd be… evil."
Zuri shook her head. "Nope. Accidentally chaotic, maybe. Evil? Never."
Caden watched quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Zuri leaned back, the dragon perched on her shoulder, tiny sparks still flickering. "You know, you'd be surprised how many people judge a book by the cover. Or a villain by… well… me."
Lyric laughed nervously. "I think I underestimated you."
"Good," Zuri said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Underestimating me is dangerous… sometimes."