Chapter Text
Prunella slaps Buddy’s hand away, her little palm going stubborn. “You can’t pick up that one. There’s a sea snail inside.”
“Sorry,” he mumbles, wind fluttering his hair, sand grains on his feet. He drops the conch shell, gingerly easing it towards the shore.
Next to him, Goldie smiles, body gleaming in the light. "Never have you been this caring, little Nox."
Nox laughs. "I guess I wouldn't understand why anyone would want to be trapped in a shell. Doesn't make sense." When he watches Goldie's quizzical expression, he adds, "But some of us want to stay home."
"Somewhere safe."