Ace remained silent for a moment longer, then rose to his feet.
"I'll figure out the rest later," he murmured.
Just as he opened the portal, Angie hopped to her feet, tail flicking with interest. "Wait, wait! That was super weird and confusing—but also kinda cool. You're just gonna leave?"
He glanced back. "Yeah?"
"Oh." Angie's eyes dimmed. "Don't you have more?"
"I'll show you if I find more," Ace said dryly.
Just as Ace turned back to the portal, a loud voice echoed across the garden.
"Lizard! I cooked your favorite food!"
Tushan came skipping into view, holding up a tray of something suspiciously steaming and slightly charred.
Angie screeched. "Stop calling me lizard!"
Tushan blinked innocently. "But it's your favorite: grilled salamander tails with spicy plum sauce!"
Ace stepped through the portal with a faint chuckle as Angie chased Tushan around the herb garden, shrieking threats while her tail flailed wildly behind her.
