"Stay away," Kasteil said, pointing his fork at Chow Chow like a weapon. She jumped up immediately, paws on the edge of the table, tail wagging furiously, trying to snatch the piece of bacon dangling from the tines.
He had woken up not too long ago. He still looked tired to me and I wanted him to sleep some more. I'd told him so when he first stirred, voice soft with worry, but he'd shaken his head and muttered something about having to leave soon. Duty never waited, apparently.
"I'm sorry I left you here alone," he said, voice low as he ate, eyes flicking toward me.
"It's okay," I replied. "That was more important."
"It is," he said. "But I shouldn't leave you here alone. This place is isolated. I will take you back home today."
"What about Chow Chow?" I asked. I did want to stay here, but only if he was here. The house was so big and lonely. No one walked by and they were no houses nearby either. I think it was for the best that I returned back home.
