Page 32 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

The twins shout goodbye as we head downstairs, already plotting their next mischief. At least their chaos might distract me from thoughts of soft lips and the lingering sweet taste of her.

I set up the twins at their usual spot - a low table covered in scratches and scorch marks from previous "helping" sessions. Dumping out a box of scrap metal pieces, I arrange them by size to give the girls an example.

"Big ones here, tiny ones there. Like a puzzle." I ruffle Nova's curls. She's already laser-focused on organizing, while Luna's more interested in making the pieces dance across the table.

"Luna, no floating."

"But they want to fly!" She pouts, copper curls bouncing as she waves her hands.

At my workbench, I pull out the delicate silver chain I worked on the day before for Mira's bracelet. The metal practically hums under my fingers, ready for enchantment. Each protection rune needs to be perfect - no room for error when it comes to keeping her safe.

I hear giggling behind me. Never a good sign.

"What are you making?" Nova appears at my elbow, standing on tiptoes to peek at my work.

"Something special for Mira." I carefully etch the first rune, channeling protective magic through my tools. The silver glows faintly purple.

"Pretty!" Luna abandons her sorting to join us. "Can we help? Please?"

"This needs to be-" Before I can finish, both girls press their hands to the bracelet. Light flares, bright enough to make me squint. When it fades, the previously elegant silver chain is now covered in swirling patterns of pink and gold.

"We made it prettier!" Luna claps.

Nova nods seriously. "More protection. Like hugs!"

I examine their handiwork. The twins' magic has woven itself through mine, creating something unexpected but... perfect. Just like Mira. The protection runes are still there, but now they pulse with warmth and light.

"This is-" I freeze as I turn to look at the girls. "Look what you did to my workbench." I gesture at the glitter explosion around us, trying to sound stern but failing. They beam up at me, covered in sparkles again despite my best efforts to avoid it.

"Uncle Karn, the sparkles are dancing!" Luna's declaration makes me turn just in time to see another explosion of glitter erupt from the metal shavings across the room. The twins' combined magic sends iridescent clouds spiraling toward the ceiling beams.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "That's not what sorting means."

Nova at least has the decency to look sheepish. "They were lonely."

Footsteps on the stairs draw my attention. Mira appears, green eyes widening at the disaster zone my workshop has become.

"I heard an…explosion." She takes in the scene, a smile tugging at her lips despite her earlier awkwardness. "Ah. Glitter again."

My heart stutters at the sight of her. She's tied her dark hair back with a ribbon, exposing the elegant curve of her neck. The morning light catches on her beautiful features, making her look like a goddess in her own right.

I'm too seconds away from breaking. I want her so much it hurts, but instead, I turn away.

"Sorry about the mess." I grab a broom, trying not to stare. "These two decided the metal shavings needed more... personality."

"Pretty!" Luna waves her hands, sending another shower of sparkles raining down.

Mira grabs a cloth and starts wiping down the workbench. "Can your magic not get rid of glitter?"

I make the mistake of looking up. "Nothing seems to, I'm afraid." I answer, watching the graceful movement of her hands, remembering how they felt tangled in my shirt last night. The broom handle creaks in my grip.

"We helped with Mira's present!" Nova announces proudly.

Mira's eyes meet mine for the first time today, curiosity replacing her earlier hesitation. "Present?"

"Thanks for ruining the surprise, little star." I ruffle Nova's hair, earning a giggle.

"Uncle Karn's turning red!" Luna points at my face with delight.

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