I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I felt... light. Graceful. Stronger than before, thanks to that soul-graft I'd performed, but it felt wrong. It was like driving a luxury sports car when you're used to a reliable, sturdy SUV.
I stumbled over to the full-length wall mirror.
"Okay, let's assess the damages," I muttered.
The Princess's skin was glowing with health now, but something had changed. The yellow necklace, the one usually hidden under my skin, was now practically embedded in the skin above her collarbone, glowing with a soft, protective light. My Forever 21 ring was snugly fit on the Princess's finger, and my magical pouch was sitting on the nightstand, humming.
I reached into the pouch mentally. Raya?
A tiny, golden draconic head poked out of the bag's opening, followed by another. Both heads let out a happy, synchronized chirp. [MASTER! YOU'RE TALL AND SHINY!]
"Not now, Raya," I hissed. "Where's Chubby I felt him nearby!"
