Page 66 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"Now you match the sunset!" She points at the sky, where pink clouds drift lazily overhead.

As twilight approaches, the twins curl up in our laps, their energy finally waning. Nova traces the runes on my bracelet while Luna hums softly, her eyes heavy.

"Best day ever," Luna murmurs, snuggling closer to Karn.

"Every day is best with you," Nova whispers back, her small hand finding mine.

Karn carries them up to bed once they drift off, their copper curls still sparkling faintly. When he returns to the garden, he pulls me close under the first stars.

"I love you," I whisper against his chest, breathing in the scent of metal and magic that's become home.

His arms tighten around me. "I love you too," he murmurs into my hair, his voice rough with emotion. "More than I have words for."

29

KARN

SIX MONTHS LATER…

Ilook up from my forge as Mira bursts through the workshop door, her cheeks flushed and a genuine smile lighting up her face. She's carrying a basket full of fresh herbs, and her dark hair is braided with small wildflowers - definitely Vashti's doing.

"You look happy." I set down my hammer, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Vashti showed me her garden. Did you know she grows healing herbs? She's teaching me which ones work best for burns." Mira sets the basket on my workbench, pulling out various bundles. "This one's for that stubborn burn on your forearm."

"Mrs. Blackwood's niece is turning you into a healer now?" I examine the herbs, touched by her thoughtfulness.

"She says every metalworker's mate should know basic burn treatment." Her eyes widen as she realizes what she's said. A blush creeps across her cheeks.

The words make my heart swell. I'm glad that Mrs. Blackwood has helped Mira get more friends and build a nice community with us. Now that Mira doesn't have to worry about hiding, she's really come out of her shell in the area.

I give her a smile. "Where are the twins?"

"Still at Mrs. Blackwood's. That woman spoils them rotten." Mira starts arranging the herbs to dry. "Luna's convinced her to teach them cookie recipes, and Nova's fascinated by her collection of transformation scrolls."

"Demons who actually want to help us." I shake my head. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"It's been nice." She touches my arm gently, giving me a smile. "We're not alone anymore, Karn."

The warmth of her hand sends sparks through my skin. I clear my throat. "Good thing too. Those twins need all the supervision they can get."

Mira laughs, the sound pure and unguarded - so different from the frightened woman who first stumbled into my shop. "Vashti's already offered to teach them proper demon etiquette. Says if they're going to cause chaos, they might as well do it with style."

"Seven help us all." I grin despite myself.

Soon enough, I go to pull the two little troublemakers home, closing up shop early to join my family in the garden.

The twins run to Mira as soon as we make it to the garden. It takes no time for them to start showing off new magic to their mom. Luna's tongue pokes out in concentration as she makes a flower spin in circles, while Nova methodically changes each petal from white to purple and back again.

"Higher!" Luna commands her flower, which shoots up like a startled bird. "No, wait, come back!"

The flower drifts toward the neighbor's yard. I step forward to intervene, but Nova's already on it. Her flower floats up to intercept her sister's runaway bloom, gently nudging it back toward our garden.

"Good save, Nova." I ruffle her copper curls. "You're getting better at control."

She beams up at me, her violet eyes bright. "Watch this, Uncle Karn!" The petals on her daisy shimmer through a rainbow of colors before settling on a deep crimson that matches my hair.

"My turn!" Luna waves her hands, and both flowers start dancing in formation. "It's like they're at a ball!"

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