As I lay in bed, the triumph of defeating General Malgath still fresh in my mind, I glanced at the clock and realized it was almost noon. Raven would likely be swamped with work at her boutique, Enchanted Creations. I decided to surprise her with lunch.
Sliding out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Cooking had always been a therapeutic activity for me, a way to gather my thoughts and focus. Today, I would make something special for Raven.
I rummaged through the pantry and refrigerator, pulling out ingredients for one of Raven's favorite dishes: a classic chicken and vegetable stir-fry with jasmine rice. As I prepped the ingredients, I thought about the balance of flavors and textures, wanting everything to be perfect.