Chapter 8
The Sanctum had become a little too quiet for Stephen Strange’s liking.
The morning light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the floor. The only sound was the soft hum of the magical wards, and, of course, the constant purring coming from the cat who had taken up residence in his study.
Stephen’s head was still heavy from last night’s battle with a particularly difficult demon, and even though the cat had helped distract him, he could feel a sense of… odd peace settle over him.
That is, until Wong walked in.
“Stephen, we need to talk.”
Stephen groaned inwardly. “I’m not in the mood, Wong.”
Wong raised an eyebrow. “It’s not about the battle. It’s about…” He trailed off and glanced at the cat, who was currently curled up on Stephen’s desk, bathed in the soft glow of the morning light. “…him.”
Stephen blinked, still confused. “Him?”
“The cat.”
Stephen sighed. “Wong, please. Not now.”
Wong was unwavering. “Yes, now.”
Stephen rubbed his eyes. “What about the cat?”
Wong stepped forward, crossing his arms with a knowing look. “You know, it’s not enough to just let the cat stay here. You have to name it.”
Stephen paused mid-sip from his coffee mug. “Name it?”
Wong nodded. “Yes, it’s only proper. You can’t just keep calling it ‘the cat.’”
Stephen glanced at the cat, who was now lazily licking its paw, completely oblivious to the conversation.
The cat wasn’t exactly his—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. But the damn thing had started to grow on him.
“Well, we can’t just name it anything,” Stephen muttered. “It’s not like it’s a normal pet.”
Wong raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying you don’t want to name the cat?”
Stephen hesitated, the thought of naming a stray who happened to be a very smart magical being somewhat ridiculous, but the cat had earned its spot in the Sanctum.
Finally, Stephen sighed. “Fine. But I’m not calling it anything ridiculous.”
Wong raised his hands innocently. “Of course not. I was thinking something strong… like ‘Hercules’ or ‘Apollo.’”
Stephen made a face. “That’s so… predictable.”
Wong’s eyes twinkled. “Then what would you name him?”
Stephen thought for a moment, watching the cat bat at a floating quill with an almost entirely unnecessary amount of sass. The thing was far too clever for its own good.
Finally, Stephen looked at Wong. “What about… Merlin?”
Wong raised an eyebrow. “Merlin?”
Stephen smirked. “He’s been more helpful than I’d like to admit. He deserves a name that reflects his mystical nature.”
Wong stared at the cat for a moment, then nodded. “You know, that actually fits.”
The cat, of course, decided that now was the perfect time to leap onto the table, looking very pleased with itself.
Stephen crossed his arms. “Well, Merlin, you’ve earned it.”
Merlin purred in approval, looking directly at Stephen, as if he understood every word.
Stephen sighed. “Alright, I’m just going to go with it.”
Wong chuckled. “I’m sure he’s going to be very pleased with his new name.”