Reon had gone all out, crafting a feast with the tender meat of the Shadow Cw Bear and the Ironcw Direwolf. The aroma wafted through the air, rid entig, filling the small clearing by the keside.

  The three of them—Reon, Cloudia, and the little white cat—sat together on the soft grass, the setting sun casting a golden hue over their gathering.

  The little cat, perched beside Cloudia, stared wide-eyed at the dishes id before them. Its gaze darted between the food and Cloudia, as if seeking permission from its senior before daring to eat.

  Cloudia, with her ever-so-slightly haughty demeanarded the little one for a moment before nudging one of the dishes closer with her paw. It was a gesture of quiet acceptance, her way of aowledging the newer to their small family.

  The little cat's eyes lit up, its whiskers twitg with delight. Her small tongue darted out to lick at her lips as she leaned closer, her tiny nose quivering at the tantalizing smell.

  Droplets of saliva gathered at the er of her mouth, her hunger evident after what must have been weeks of fing and starvation.

  She hesitated briefly, looking at Reon and then at Cloudia, as though she couldn't quite believe this feast was for her.

  Reon chuckled warmly, his tole. "Go ahead, little oo your heart's tent. There's o hold back or feel shy."

  At his encement, the little cat wasted no time. She dove into the meal with ahusiasm that made Reon ugh.

  Every bite was savored with an expression of pure bliss, her small body trembling slightly as though overwhelmed by the fvors.

  It was clear she haden properly in days, maybe even weeks, and now, the feast before her seemed like a treasure beyond measure.

  "Easy there, little one," Reon said with a soft chuckle, reag out to gently pat her. "You're so adorable when you eat, but if you keep eating so fast, you'll choke."

  Cloudia, who had been the se with her head held high, suddenly nudged Reon's arm with her nose.

  Her expressive eyes fixed on him, clearly demanding her share of attention. Her dignified posture melted into a pyful pout, as if to say, Don't fet about me.

  Reon turo her with a knowing smile. "Ah, don't think I've fotten about you, Cloudia," he said, reag over to scratder her in the way she loved. "You're just as adorable, you know. The senior of the group, after all."

  Cloudia leaned into his touch, her tail swishing happily behind her as her moment of pride was restored. She gave the little cat a sidelong gnce, as if to say, I might accept you, but remember who's the most loved by master.

  The three of them sat together, their bond deepening with every shared moment. The meal became more than just food; it was a celebration—a quiet aowledgment of the growing family they were being.

  As Reon savored the moment with his panions, a sudden jolt of unease rippled through him. His Instinctual Awareness fred like a warning bell, tingling at the edge of his sciousness.

  Something—or someone—roag. Though the i he sensed wasn't lethal, it carried a distindercurrent of hostility, enough to set his nerves on edge.

  Reon's expression hardened. Whoever was i no good. Without hesitation, he reached for his sword, resting it within arm's reach while his sharp eyes sed the dense foliage around him. His muscles tensed, ready for whatever—or whoever—was about to emerge.

  Cloudia, always in tuh her master, felt the shift in the air. Her ears twitched, and she paused mid-bite, the pyful spark in her eyes repced by a fierce determination.

  Rising to her paws, she positioned herself protectively near Reon, her sleek form radiating vigince.

  Evetle white cat seemed to sehe danger. She stood, her gaze darting nervously betweerees, her once-pyful demeanor now repced by quiet alertness.

  Reon's sharp eyes caught movement in the distance—six figures advang toward him. He narrowed his gaze, fog on their attire.

  It didn't match the robes of Outer Sect disciples like his own. Instead, their uniforms bore the unmistakable markings of Inner Sect disciples.

  He reized the description vividly from the novel, and his grip on his sword tightened.

  Inner Sect disciples. His mind raced. Were they here because of Xue Taiyang's old enmities? Had his predecessor's betrayals drawn them out into the Whispering Grove to hunt him down? He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not for a sed.

  The six figures came closer, their strides purposeful yet weary. Reon noticed their sunken expressions, the exhaustioched onto their faces.

  The rich aroma of the meal he had prepared seemed to catch them off guard as they he tantalizing st wafted through the air, causing the group to pause and g one another.

  For a brief moment, Reon noticed their gazes linger hungrily on the food he had id out. There was a flicker of temptation in their eyes, as if they sidered stealing it.

  But just as quickly, their leader stepped forward, his expression hardening with resolve. Whatever their iions, food wasn't the priority.