"Million, where have you been all these years? I thought you were gone for good. I''m sorry I never went looking for you!"


    Calliope gently ruffled Million''s fur, and Million leaned into her touch as if he had been waiting for this moment forever.


    Around them, Damien and the others were equally astonished at the sight of Million.


    They whispered among themselves, trying to figure out what kind of animal Million was.


    "Looks a bit like a wolf, but aren''t wolves usually smaller?"


    "Kind of like a husky, maybe. But its face is even more striking!"


    "Totally unique, and just look at its size. It''s so impressive!"


    "What kind of animal is this, Mr. Myers?"


    After some debate, Damien and the crew turned to Ss, who was watching Calliope with a warm, affectionate gaze.


    Ss knew he''d chosen the perfect gift. It was clear Calliope was thrilled. He''d have to give a nod to Wynton for this one. Without his suggestion, finding Million might not have crossed his mind.


    "It''s a wolf," Ss stated, ncing at Damien. "It''ll be staying at the Myers Manor from now on. Take good care of it. It''s smart, maybe even smarter than some of you, so don''t treat it as a pet. If you treat it well, you''ll find it''s worth the effort."


    Damien raised an eyebrow. Smarter than them? That seemed a bit much. Still, they''d treat thedy''s pet with care, ensuring no worries on her part.


    "Awooo-"


    "Awoo awoo0-"


    Million howled in response to


    Calliope''s questions, looking utterly


    forlorn, while Calliope listened intently. Though it wasn''t human speech, she seemed to understand just fine.


    "I see. You''ve been through a lot, haven''t you? Don''t worry. You


    have to go back there," Call won''t


    assured, stroking Million''s head with heartfeltpassion.


    She then brought Million over to Ss, her gaze earnest.


    "Ss, Million told me everything. Thank you. If it weren''t for you, things could have been much worse for Million. I love this gift, and I owe you for it."


    Her words were sincere, spoken not


    as Ss''s wife, but simply as


    Calliope. This gesture of gratitude was something she''d remember and repay, regardless of how their rtionship evolved.


    Ss understood that Calliope was happy and grateful, but her formality created a distance he wasn''tfortable with. It made her seem suddenly out of reach.


    She had this knack for slipping through his fingers, and he feared sometimes she might just vanish again. He wasn''t sure what she felt for him, but her formal gratitude left him feeling heavy-hearted.


    "This was a gift for you," he replied, eyes locked on hers. "You''re my wife, Calliope. You don''t owe me anything. It''s what I should do for you."


    Calliope met his gaze, her eyes deep with unspoken emotions. She didn''t reply, but felt that strange warmth inside.


    How could he be so good to her?


    He had agreed to marry her and stood by her despite the sneers of others. He protected her. And then, he brought Million back into her life.


    She hadn''t even mentioned Million to him, yet somehow, he found her belovedpanion and returned him to her side.