Leona looked at Luca with barely contained anticipation, her eyes shimmering like a child waiting for a gift.
He stared at the ear-muffs on her ears, his expression thoughtful, his fingers drumming against his chin.
The seconds stretched. Her heart pounded.
Then, finally, a faint smile crossed his lips.
"Yeah." He said softly. "I think I can do something about that."
Leona's face exploded into joy. She bounced on her heels, ready to throw her arms around him, but he held up a hand.
"First, give me those earmuffs. Let me get a proper feel for them before I come to a decision."
She handed them over immediately, pressing them into his palm like they were precious offerings.
He turned the fabric over in his hands, rubbing it between his fingers, testing its weight, its texture, its give.
It was soft—softer than the clothes he was wearing, softer than anything he had encountered in this world.
And yet...
He looked up at her, doubtful gaze,
