The Moon Pavilion was illuminated by paper lanterns, casting golden reflections over the polished tables. As they sat down, Lukas could finally observe the two guests more closely.
Yumi Karash had sun-bronzed skin, long black hair tied high in a ponytail, and intense amber eyes — as if embers glowed inside them. Broad shoulders and a firm posture revealed the strength of a warrior. When she smiled, sharp canine teeth showed — too many for a human, yet somehow harmoniously fitting her angular face. Her short sleeves revealed deep scars on her forearms and the backs of her hands.
— Before coming to the South… — she began, her deep voice carrying weight — …my clan lived for years under whips and… abuse.
Lukas noticed that even Luiz, always noisy and extravagant, had turned serious.
— It was Rubya, the White Tigress, who appeared and brought our clan to the South. — Yumi lifted her chin proudly. — Here, we live under the Sun of Kyros Fernandes. In the South, there is no room for prejudice. Of course, there are still comments… looks… but they are punished severely. And most… — she gave a faint smile — …most welcome us as equals. They share Kyros’s dream.
— That’s beautiful to hear. — Lukas said sincerely.
Across the table, Aika Inari kept her hands folded on her lap. Her white scarf, soft as freshly fallen snow, contrasted with her straight, equally white hair that reached her waist, and with the fluffy fox ears that twitched whenever someone looked at her. Her hazel-colored eyes shone, even when she looked away. Her painted white nails trembled on the fabric, showing how out of place she felt.
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When Lukas adjusted the chair for her, he noticed something sewn into the scarf’s fabric: his own name, embroidered with silver thread.
By the mercy of the Sun… since when has that been there?
In his mind, Morgana almost screamed: — Oh no… oh no… OH, NO! She's already marking territory, chocolatinho! This is the semi-human equivalent of biting your neck!
César sighed indignantly: — It's just embroidery.
— “Just embroidery,” my ass! — Morgana snapped. — Next step, she'll want a cub with your name on it, and then it's over!
— And your clan? — Lukas asked, trying to cover up his discovery.
Aika lowered her gaze, shy. — We came from the North, after the lands became… dangerous. Rubya also welcomed us. Our clan… once served as elite hunters, but now… — she took a deep breath — …we have peace. And here… I can study.
As the conversation flowed, Yumi kept throwing constant glances at Luiz. — Many want to meet and marry a Fernandes — she said with a direct smile. — And I don’t make any effort to hide that.
Luiz raised his cup, amused: — And I never run away from a good candidate.
Lukas sighed. He’s going to drown in his own ego…
The evening continued with stories, laughter, and the main course being served. When the gathering ended, Luiz stood and insisted on walking Yumi home, offering his arm with that Copas posture — irritating and charming at the same time.
In Lukas’s mind, Morgana returned with her lascivious tone: — You know what Luiz is going to do, don’t you, chocolatinho? Why don’t you do the same?
César scoffed: — Degenerate! You think my legionary is like that, Copas? We have dignity and, above all, honor.
— Honor doesn't warm a bed, little soldier. — Morgana teased.
— Shut up. — Lukas rolled his eyes, ignoring her.
He offered his arm to Aika, who accepted almost reluctantly, with her ears lowered and gaze diverted. They walked together through the quiet streets of Sorriso, under the soft moonlight.
The scarf swayed, and his name gleamed in the shadows.
The South truly is a dream, Lukas thought. A dream worth protecting.
End of Chapter 25
