Natalie had been curious since the night before. The water had no danger to humans, so she had wanted to try it. But Cassian had pulled her into other things, and the moment slipped away. Now that she brought it up again, she refused to delay. She was ready. The storage space would never harm her. "Drink up!" The pets snapped their ears up and rushed close. Lucky grew so excited she pawed hard at Natalie's leg. Natalie flicked her wrist, and a glass of clear spring water shimmered into her hand. Cassian leaned over, his gaze fixed on the glass. His voice was calm but firm. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Natalie paused, thought for a breath, then answered. "Lucky and the others drank it for days before their big changes came. I'll only try a little. If something feels wrong, I'll stop." She had tasted every single thing the storage space had ever given her. Every single thing but this water. There was no way it was made just to raise pets. This had to be meant for the master. Or at least that's what I think. She had never bothered before. Life had been too wild. Now life was quiet, and she wanted to try it all. She pushed away the noise in her head. She raised the cup to her lips. But before she could drink, Cassian snatched it from her hand with lightning speed. "I'll do it." "No, let me—"Her protest broke apart as Cassian lifted his head and swallowed a mouthful. He'd never let his wife take that risk. He was strong. He feared nothing. Natalie leaned in, eyes wide with urgency. "What does it taste like?" Cassian shook his head. "Wet. Like water." "No hint of alcohol? Not even a trace?" "Nothing." Natalie whispered, her brows tight. "That doesn't add up. Lucky passed out like she was drunk the first time she drank it. Later she was fine. Like her tolerance grew." She lifted the cup and sniffed. No scent of alcohol at all. "What is going on here?" Lucky barked from the floor, her voice sharp and offended. "I wasn't drunk! I was numb! My whole body went numb!" Cassian smacked his lips. "Yeah—that's right. My mouth feels a bit numb." Natalie shot upright. "Numbness? Where?" Cassian's eyes locked on her. "My mouth feels numb. But ... " His words stopped. His gaze fell in shock toward Lucky. The dog huffed, her head turning away. "Stop staring at me like that! You're too handsome—I can't take it." Her tail flicked as she grumbled on. "What can I do? He stole my owner, but he looks so good I can't even stay mad." Cassian's lips twitched. His face, usually still as stone, twisted with disbelief.Natalie pulled at his sleeve. "What are you doing? Why are you staring at Lucky like that?" Her eyes narrowed at the dog. "And what are you barking now?" Then the thought struck her. Her face lit. "Cassian ... you can ... understand Lucky?" Cassian stiffened, then gave a small nod. "I think I do." Lucky barked again, her voice dripping with sass. Natalie's eyes sparkled. "Tell me! What did she say?" Cassian pressed his lips tight. He stayed quiet. Natalie shoved his arm hard. "Say it! I need to know! Did you really understand her?" Cassian cleared his throat. "She said she's always been talking. She said you're overreacting." Natalie whipped her head toward Lucky, her eyes narrowed. "Silly girl, did you really say that?" Lucky's ears drooped. She turned her head away. Natalie clapped her hands together, shock flashing across her face. "Oh my god! This is unreal!" She let the dog off without scolding. Her eyes locked on the glass. "This water really lets different species talk to each other?" Her face then softened with worry. "But what about you? Are you alright? Is your mouth still numb?" Cassian gave a nod. "Not just my mouth. My whole body's tingling." Her breath caught. "How bad is it?"He waved his hand with ease. "Not bad. Just light. It doesn't slow me down." Lucky barked, proud and bold. "See? Nothing to fear. After a few tries, you get used to it. Now I drink it, and I feel nothing." Cassian nodded. "She's right." Natalie groaned. "What did she say this time?" Before Cassian could answer, Cash flapped his wings and soared into his arms. The rooster clucked and clucked, his voice sharp and full of urgency. Cassian nodded. "I hear you. I understand." Then Baron, quiet until now, burst with squeals and high cries. Cassian raised a brow. "Really? I don't feel that at all."