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"Would you like to choose a treat? You said you were hungry, remember?" I continued.

His response was delayed, processing the shift, but then he nodded. "Yes, please, Daddy," he said, his voice smaller than normal.

I guided us away from the discipline platform, my hand returning to its protective position on his neck. His fingers gradually loosened their death grip on the leash, though I noticed he maintained closer physical contact than usual as we walked.

Behind us, the crystalline vendor had already set up a new display, the broken figurines nothing more than recycling material now. The platform stood empty again, awaiting its next use, whenever that might be.

But I knew Lucca would remember this. He would process it in his own way, perhaps bring it up later when we were home, safe in our private space where discipline meant something entirely different. For now, though, I focused on the immediate task: replacing his anxiety with something sweeter, literally and figuratively. The confection vendor was just ahead, and I could already see Lucca's attention shifting toward the colorful displays.

"There," I said, indicating the stall. "Let's see what appeals to you today, little star."

Chapter 15. Lucca

I woke to the familiar comfort of my crate, my body still heavy. The door stood ajar, O'li's silent permission that I could emerge when ready. My blanket was tucked around my legs, and my stuffed blob creature had been placed beside me.

I couldn't remember O'li carrying me from the transport pod, but he must have.

I crawled out and found him in the living room, settled into his reading chair with a data tablet in hand. His emerald eyes moved intently across the screen, black hair falling around the curved horns that arched backward from his forehead.

For a moment, I just watched him.

Then his eyes lifted and found me.

"Hello, little one. Did you have a good rest?"

"Yes, Daddy." I padded toward him. "Thank you for carrying me home."

His mouth curved slightly. "You were completely spent."

I climbed into his lap without asking. He adjusted automatically, setting his tablet aside as I curled against his chest. Both arms wrapped around me, and I immediately felt some last bit of tension I hadn't known I was carrying disappear.

"Missed you today," I murmured into his shirt. His fingers moved through my hair.

"I know, puppy. And I missed you, too."

I looked up at him. "Really?"

"Of course." His hand cupped my cheek. "I'm proud of you, little star."

The words warmed me more effectively than the twilight dream had. I smiled and tucked myself back against him.

We stayed like that as the evening deepened around us, his body warm against mine, the subtle vibration in his chest telling me he was content. When he shifted beneath me, I made a small noise of protest.

A low chuckle rumbled through him.

"Not going anywhere, pup."

Good. I settled again, letting daycare, the marketplace, and everything else fade into irrelevance.

"My good boy," O'li murmured into my hair.

I closed my eyes and let myself believe him.

"Bath time, little one," O'li said sometime later, pulling me from the peaceful haze.

I blinked up at him, reluctant to leave his lap but equally drawn to another ritual I loved. The bath was always more than just getting clean.

His hands moved to my waist, lifting me as he stood. I weighed practically nothing to him, my human frame delicate compared to his. He set me on my feet but kept one hand on my back, guiding me toward the bathing chamber.