Seraphina raised a brow. "That doesn’t sound like a name."
"It could be!" Evelisse protested weakly. "Uhhh... the Ancient Summoner of Fluff?"
"I don’t think anyone’s buying that." Fluffy deadpanned with a shake of the head.
Seraphina laughed softly, eyes twinkling. "I think we can do better."
’Do better, I don’t think that’s in my thinking description.’ Evelisse thought with a panic.
Evelisse lowered her eyes to the tiny creature nestled in her lap. The pup let out a quiet sigh and twitched one ear in its sleep. The fluff was unreal—soft enough to make clouds jealous. Its tiny snout scrunched adorably as it yawned again and tucked itself deeper into her gown like a marshmallow seeking warmth. All innocent and trusting, completely unaware that she was currently undergoing a level-five internal naming crisis.
’Why does this feel like naming a royal heir instead of a furball with four jellybean toes?!’
Fluffy crossed his paws midair and smirked. "Any day now, Your Highness."
’Okay. No pressure. Just naming a living creature. That’ll be your best friend. Who might imprint on you forever. And who looks at you like you’re the center of its universe.’
Her brain kicked into overdrive.
Evelisse stared back down at the pup. ’Okay, think. What’s soft, cute, a little sleepy... and deserves a name worthy of being this kingdom’s tiniest cloud guardian?’
She cleared her throat, eyes darting to her mother. Seraphina waited patiently, a twinkle in her eye.
"Um... Sir Fluffsalot?" Evelisse tried.
Fluffy made a noise that was suspiciously close to a wheeze.
Evelisse frowned. "Too... formal?"
"Too long," Seraphina said delicately. "And he doesn’t look like a knight. Maybe a sleepy duke? Try again, darling."
"Right, okay. Hmm..." Evelisse bit her lip, cradling the warm ball of fluff closer. "How about... Snow Bean?"
The puppy blinked. Then sneezed.
"That’s either a blessing or a protest," Fluffy noted helpfully.
The puppy twitched in its sleep. No reaction.
Evelisse tried again. "Luminoodle?"
Seraphina tilted her head. "That sounds like a glowing noodle."
"It’s funny!" Evelisse argued.
"It’s pasta," Fluffy said flatly.
Fluffy floated in a lazy loop over her shoulder. "Not to be dramatic, but you’ve been stuck on this for seven whole minutes."
Seraphina smiled warmly. "What kind of name are you looking for, darling?"
"I... don’t know." Evelisse looked up at her mother, eyes slightly wide. "It’s weird, but I want something that just... fits. Like, when I say it, he’ll just know it’s his."
The puppy let out a tiny huff and curled further into her arms.
Fluffy snorted. "What about ’Puffball the First’?"
Evelisse shot him a glare. ’You’re worse off than I am. Here I thought I was bad.’
Seraphina leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "How about Starbit? Or maybe Nimbus?"
"Hmm... Nimbus is close..." Evelisse murmured. She stroked behind the puppy’s ears, feeling the gentle flutter of warmth in her chest.
She glanced up. Seraphina smiled patiently for more tries while Fluffy was practically lying in mid-air like it had all day.
’Why is this so hard? It’s just a name.’
It hit her suddenly—naming something so precious wasn’t supposed to be easy.
’It’s not just a name. It’s... mine.’
For a brief moment, an old memory fluttered into her mind. Her past life. In the pediatric cancer ward, they’d once given her a plush rabbit. She never named it. It had felt pointless when life was ticking away.
But here... this life?
This name would matter.
She looked down at the puppy again. Its sleepy eyes fluttered open just for a second—glimmering silver-blue. Gentle. Trusting.
’How do people just... pick names like it’s easy? Anyone who does this in ten seconds deserves an award.’
Fluffy hummed dramatically. "You’re overthinking. The fluff doesn’t care if it’s called Duke Wobblepants or Lord Barkingston."
"Helpful," she muttered under her breath.
Seraphina leaned over, brushing her hand along the puppy’s head. "What about Mistral? It sounds noble and soft."
"Hmm... Sounds like a shampoo brand," Evelisse murmured, instantly regretting it.
Seraphina laughed. "Fair. Whisper?"
"Too ethereal. He might fly away."
They both paused, thoughtful. The pup snored softly, still curled up like a dumpling.
"What about... Luminoodle?" Evelisse blurted, squinting.
Fluffy did a barrel roll in the air. "I’m suing your brain."
Seraphina chuckled. "That sounds... delicious?"
Evelisse groaned. "Why is this so hard?"
"You want it to be perfect," her mother said gently. "Because you love him already."
That made Evelisse pause.
She did. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel⟡fire.net
It wasn’t logical. Wasn’t planned. But that tiny fluffball had nestled its way into her heart in under three minutes.
She looked at the pup again, trying once more.
Evelisse narrowed her eyes. "Did you just... move?"
Fluffy nudged her mentally. "Try something cozy. You’ve been leaning toward cuddly-sounding names without realizing it."
She thought hard. ’Cozy... cuddly...’
And then it slipped out before she could even stop it.
The puppy instantly perked up.
Its ears shot straight.
Its tail wiggled violently.
A soft, eager bark escaped its mouth as it bounced in her arms like a tiny ball of lightning wrapped in fur.
[♡ Affection Points Increased: +10]
[Total points accumulated so far: 830♡]
"Did—did you just respond to that?"
Snugglewuff let out another bark and pawed at her collar, then licked her chin.
Seraphina clapped her hands. "Well! I think he chose for you."
Fluffy sighed. "I’m officially deposed."
Evelisse laughed, her eyes crinkling. "Snugglewuff it is."
Snugglewuff gave a squeaky yip in agreement and nuzzled under her chin, vibrating like a tiny cuddle-engine.
She cradled him, letting her head rest slightly against his back. "Hello, Snugglewuff. I’m your human now."
Fluffy muttered, "Unbelievable. A sentient cotton puff with a name that sounds like a hug."
"I heard that!" Evelisse whispered gleefully.
Seraphina pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "Now that you’ve chosen... we must hold a Name Blessing Ceremony."