The full moon hung low in the night sky, casting a spectral glow over the forest. Silver light filtered through the canopy, creating a patchwork of shadows on the forest floor. The elderly demi-male wolf wore a loosely fitted flowered shirt, baggy shorts, and flip-flops, walking hunched over with a cane taller than himself. His balding head clutched a few strands of hair slicked back. The aged demi-female wolf donned a fitted dress with sandals, her grey hair adorned with a blossomed purple rose. Their ears and tails shimmered in the moonlight, adding an intimidating quality to their appearance.

  Kaito paused, assessing the situation. Was it them who defeated the Yazumi? They're likely concealing their strength, just as they hid their presence. Most importantly…are they friends... or foe?

  "I found her in the cave," Kaito warily replied. "Is the child yours?"

  "The child belongs to no one but herself," the demi-female answered. "What do you plan to do with her?"

  "I wish to take her home and be raised in my palace. I believe she may become a suitable wife for my son one day."

  "OOOHHH!" the elderly pair shrieked in unison, their ears perking upward and tail enthusiastically wagging.

  In the blink of an eye, they materialized beside him; the demi-male on his right, and the demi-female on his left. Both peered down at the sleeping child, their ears twitching with relief. The sudden movement instinctively triggered Kaito's hand to drift toward his sword hilt. His muscles tensed, ready for engagement.

  "She's beautiful, like a rare jewel," the demi-female remarked.

  "Indeed," the demi-male agreed as he tilted to Kaito, his expression stern. "King Chika was it? I'm sure you've noticed how her scent attracts those in the Living Realm and it'll only get stronger as she grows up. If you're serious about taking in this child, how do you plan to cover up her scent?"

  The lack of malice radiating from the elderly couple alongside their warm fascination with the child stilled his hand, easing his apprehension. "Well... ugh... haha... you see," he stammered, scratching his head while nervously laughing.

  Sensing Kaito's hesitation, the demi-female grabbed his face with both hands. Her ears lay perched back in irritation as she glared into his eyes. "Are you a pervert?"

  "WHAT! NO!" Kaito protested, scrambling for words. "It's not... I'm not... like that!! I prefer women! GROWN WOMEN!! NOT CHILDREN. I have a beautiful and sexy GROWN wife at home waiting for me. HELL, SHE'S OLDER THAN ME! And would make herself a widow before allowing ME to fool around, let alone be indecent with a child!!"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  The demi-female intensified her stare into his eyes, Kaito awkwardly staring back. The demi-male doted over the sleeping child, not paying any attention to them.

  After several moments, the demi-female sighed in relief, breaking eye contact. "Where are my manners? We haven't introduced ourselves!"

  The elderly pair stepped back, facing Kaito and bowed. "I'm Yuki."

  "And my name is Rizyo. Yuki here is my partner," the demi-male grinned.

  "It's our pleasure to meet you, King Chika," Yuki greeted, turning to Rizyo. "Dear, I believe the child will be safe with King Chika for the time being."

  Rizyo's carefree expression shifted as he stepped closer to Kaito. "King Chika, I can tell the child has taken a liking to you, but I must warn you of the consequences which follow her?"

  Kaito's jaw tightened. "Consequences? What repercussions could possibly follow a child not even a year old?"

  "King Chika," Yuki intervened. "That child you hold so dearly in your arms is not like anyone from the Living Realm. She is the last of her kind."

  A cool breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it a sense of foreboding. The wind picked up, rustling through the trees, swaying its branches overhead in the cool night air.

  Kaito's grip on the child weighed, his voice edged with discontent. "And what purpose would that be? Exactly… who and what is this child? Where is she from? Why is she the only left of her kind?”

  "To be quite frank, King Chika," Rizyo replied, his voice slicing through the night air, "who and what that child is doesn't matter. Fate has chosen you."

  Yuki moved closer, the moonlight sketching dark lines across her weathered face. "Your questions will find answers in time. But those answers will bring you no comfort." She paused, studying the sleeping child. "The truth cuts deep. Once you understand her purpose, you cannot alter her path. Her life will overflow with anguish. Sorrow will stalk her every step…, but her sacrifice will bring balance back to the realms.”

  Without ceremony, she dropped her leather bag at Kaito's feet, its contents rattling lightly against the forest floor. "Take it. It's enchanted fabrics and rare herbs. Use the fabrics and make clothing to mask her scent and appearance. The herbs will calm her… temperament when needed.”

  "Here," Rizyo added, digging into his pockets and tossed a blank mask etched with intricate carvings faintly glinting in the moonlight on top of the bag. "Use it to cover her face and hide everything that marks her as different. This is for everyone's safety.”

  His voice grew tender. "Care for her, King Chika. Love her like your own flesh and blood. Sadness will claim most of her days, but perhaps... perhaps you can give her joy while she remains small." His eyes met Kaito's. "When the Crimson Eclipse returns in seven years, we'll come for her.”

  The pair then slipped back into the darkness of the night, leaving an empty silence.

  Kaito squatted, gathering the bag and mask. The child stirred in his arms, tightening his chest with a creeping dread.

  He tilted his head back, gazing into the endless sky above. Distant stars pulsed like tiny heartbeats as the child's intoxicating fragrance swirled around him.

  A life filled with sadness? Herbs to control temperament? A mask and enchanted fabrics? What the hell have I gotten myself into? Is it possible that… this child... is dangerous?

  A tiny hiccup escaped the sleeping child, curving his lips into a smile. He swaddled the enchanted fabric around her and positioned himself upright.

  I guess only time will tell.

  "Now, let's go home.”