Cinn decided now wasn’t the time to keep secrets. If there was a chance Asima could help in the hunt, she had to know what was at stake. “I enhance plants, Asima. I make them more than they otherwise would be. Vince is sentient. He feels emotions, and—” she glanced at Dacian—“can evidently talk. He’s alive. And I don’t want him to die cold and alone.” Oh, boy. She blinked madly. Not going to cry, not going to cry. A tear slipped down her cheek. Damn.

Asima’s eyes grew wide. “Alive? Like you and me?“ She sounded horrified.

Dacian took up the explanation, giving Cinn a chance to pull her emotions together. Maybe that would count on the plus side when she finally added up all the minuses he’d racked up tonight.

“I’d say he’s at the child stage. He feels emotions and reacts to them, and he’s gaining a basic vocabulary. But yeah, he’s aware like you and me.”

“Oh.“ Asima seemed more shocked than the explanation seemed to warrant. “I…“

Cinn would never know what Asima would have said because Sparkle and Ganymede joined them. Ganymede had cookie crumbs in his whiskers, and he didn’t look too thrilled to be part of the search party. He must’ve seen her staring at the crumbs.

“Searching for this plant is tough work. I have to keep my strength up. Besides, Sparkle baked cookies today. The real thing. No packaged crap. Maybe this depth and character thing isn’t so bad after all.“

From Sparkle’s expression, Cinn hoped Ganymede wasn’t counting on another batch of cookies any time soon. And Sparkle was wearing what must be her version of roughing-it clothes: designer jeans with rhine-stones, clingy top that shouted expensive, a short leather jacket, and boots that Sparkle would never find in a discount store.

Sparkle wasn’t smiling. “I ruined three nails on those cookies. Not that I notice my nails anymore,” she hurried to assure everyone. “But the store stuff is just as good. Open the package, put the precut cookies on the pan, bake for ten minutes. Works for me.”

And before Cinn could even think about saying anything, Sparkle turned on her. “Yes, these are my old clothes. I couldn’t go searching for your plant naked, could I?”

Ganymede perked right up. “Wouldn’t bother me, cuddle-bunny.“

Sparkle ignored him. “Edge and Bain are on their way. Everyone will help search until it’s time for the fantasies to start. Then they’ll have to take care of our customers.”

Fair enough. Cinn appreciated any help she could get.

“I’ll help, too.“ Asima’s words said one thing, but her tone said she wasn’t too excited about the whole thing.