A ripple of murmurs swept the nobles.
Evelisse clutched Snugglewuff tighter. 'What does that mean?'
The Mage walked forward, voice firm. "That wasn't ordinary air. It had elemental resonance. The pup has latent magical energy."
Fluffy floated beside her, tail stiff. "Okay... plot twist!"
The choir's voices faded into an awkward silence.
"May I examine him, Your Majesty?" the Mage asked, bowing toward the Queen.
Seraphina gave a calm, lovely smile—but her eyes were sharp. "With Evelisse's permission."
All eyes turned.
Evelisse felt the weight of attention. She gave a slow nod. "Okay. Just... be gentle."
The Mage extended both palms. Snugglewuff blinked at him but didn't move.
A warm light shimmered between his hands as it washed over the pup's fur.
"Fascinating," the Mage breathed. "This creature has an internal mana core. Dormant, untouched, natural. Not learned—innate."
"Like a mage?" Evelisse asked.
"Similar. But older. Wilder. It's as if he was born with it."
