Page 23 of Melting Stones (The Circle Reforged 2)

Meryem ran across the yard and grabbed a cat. She carried her back to me. “This is Squeak. She had kittens in Azaze’s room. Nory says I can have one. Do you want one?”

I swallowed a lump in my throat. Maybe it was time to have a cat, too. The temples novices are allowed to have pets. Lark says it makes them more responsible. I think it makes them less annoying. “Maybe.” I had to clear my throat and say it twice, because it came out a little funny the first time. “Maybe. Mules first. Kittens later.”

Meryem ran ahead of me, skipping. Her feet kicked up puffs of ash and dust. At least this part of my being a better meat creature was off to a good start.