The first rays of sunlight began to seep through the thin curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the modest room. The soft light illuminated the simple furnishings: a wooden dresser, a small table with a single chair, and the shared bed where Yuki and the foxkin girl, Sienna, slept on opposite sides.

  Yuki stirred as the light touched her face, her glowing violet eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the gentle brightness, and gnced around the room. The faint scent of wood and vender from the inn’s provided soap lingered in the air. Turning her gaze to the other side of the bed, she saw Sienna still sound asleep. The foxkin’s russet ears twitched slightly as she exhaled a soft sigh, her golden hair a tousled halo on the pillow. Her tail was curled loosely around her legs, rising and falling gently with each breath.

  Yuki sat up with practiced care, her movements deliberate and soundless to avoid disturbing Sienna. As she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, the cool wooden floor met her feet. Her thoughts wandered to the previous day—taming wild creatures, the challenges they had faced, and the subtle bond of trust that had formed between her and Sienna.

  For a moment, Yuki let her memories linger, repying the scenes like a quiet film in her mind. Then, she pushed them aside. Today was another day, and there were things to do.

  She stood and moved toward the small dresser, where her belongings were neatly folded and arranged. As she began preparing for the day, the faint sound of rustling behind her signaled that Sienna was beginning to wake.

  The foxkin stretched zily, her arms reaching high above her head as she let out a small yawn. Her golden eyes blinked open, groggy but warm with the softness of sleep. “Mornin’,” she murmured, her voice light and unguarded.

  Yuki turned her head slightly, offering a quiet nod. “Good morning,” she replied, her tone calm and even as always.

  Sienna rubbed her eyes and sat up, her tail swishing zily behind her. She gnced around the room before her gaze nded on Yuki, who was in the middle of fastening the leather straps of her outfit. “Another busy day ahead, huh?” Sienna said with a faint grin, her ears perking slightly as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.

  “It seems so,” Yuki said simply, her hands moving with efficiency as she adjusted her attire.

  The two began to get dressed in comfortable silence. Yuki’s clothing was simple but functional: a dark tunic reinforced with light armor panels and sturdy boots suitable for travel. Sienna, meanwhile, adjusted her tunic and belt with practiced ease, her fingers deftly tying the cords of her sleeves while ensuring her tail moved freely. Despite their differing styles, they worked in quiet harmony, neither rushing nor deying.

  Once they were ready, Yuki gnced toward Sienna, who was smoothing her hair with her fingers. “Shall we go?”

  Sienna nodded, a small smile pying on her lips. “Yeah, let’s get some breakfast first. I’m starving.”

  They left the room and descended the wooden staircase to the inn’s dining area. The scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling eggs greeted them as they entered the cozy space. A handful of other patrons were scattered around, some quietly eating while others chatted in low tones.

  The innkeeper, a cheerful older woman with silver-streaked hair, greeted them warmly. “Good morning, dears. Take a seat, and I’ll have someone bring you breakfast.”

  Yuki inclined her head politely, while Sienna fshed a bright smile. “Thank you!”

  They chose a small table near the window, where the morning light filtered in, casting a soft glow over their ptes. The meal was simple but satisfying: fluffy scrambled eggs, thick slices of toast sthered with butter, and a small bowl of fresh fruit. Sienna eagerly dug in, her appetite as lively as her personality.

  “This pce always has the best bread,” Sienna said between bites, her ears twitching in contentment. “You know, when I started adventuring, I wasn’t sure if inns would feel like home, but this one really does.”

  Yuki listened quietly, her expression serene as she picked at her fruit. Though she didn’t say much, she absorbed Sienna’s words with quiet attentiveness, occasionally nodding to show she was listening.

  As they ate, Sienna shared snippets of her adventures: tales of taming stubborn beasts, near misses with hostile creatures, and the occasional humorous mishap. Her voice was light and animated, and Yuki found herself drawn to the foxkin’s natural charisma, even as her own thoughts remained fixed on the day’s objectives.

  When they had finished their meal, Yuki pced a few coins on the table to cover the cost, and they stepped out into the bustling streets. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, its warm rays illuminating the cobblestone paths and the vibrant market stalls that lined them.

  Vendors called out, hawking their wares with enthusiasm, while children darted through the crowds, their ughter ringing out like bells. Adventurers of all kinds passed by, their armor glinting in the sunlight as they made their way to various destinations.

  “We’re heading to the Summoners Guild, right?” Sienna asked, gncing over at Yuki.

  Yuki nodded. “Yes. The library there should have the information we need.”

  Sienna’s tail swayed with excitement. “I’ve been there before. It’s incredible—so many books, and they’re all about summoning. You’ll love it.”

  The Summoners Guild stood out even among the impressive buildings of the city. Its towering stone walls were etched with glowing runes that shimmered faintly, and a sense of tent magical energy seemed to radiate from it. As they approached, Yuki’s sharp gaze took in the intricate carvings that adorned the archway above the entrance, each symbol a testament to the guild’s ancient knowledge.

  Inside, the guild was no less impressive. The air seemed to hum with power, and the spacious lobby was filled with summoners of all ranks—some engaged in heated discussions, others quietly consulting scrolls or books.

  The clerk at the front desk greeted them with a polite smile. “Welcome to the Summoners Guild. May I see your guild cards?”

  Yuki and Sienna both produced their cards, handing them over for inspection. The clerk examined them briefly before nodding and gesturing toward a rge door on the left.

  “You have access to the library. Please handle the materials with care and ensure all books remain within the premises.”

  “Thank you,” Yuki said, her voice soft but firm.

  Together, they entered the library, a vast and awe-inspiring space filled with rows upon rows of towering bookshelves. Enchanted nterns hung from the high ceiling, casting a steady, ethereal glow that illuminated the polished wooden floors. The scent of aged parchment and a faint trace of mana filled the air, lending the room an atmosphere of quiet reverence.

  Sienna let out an audible gasp. “It’s even bigger than I remembered!”

  Yuki’s expression remained calm, though her eyes flickered with interest as they swept over the room. “Let’s not waste time. Find the books you need.”

  Sienna nodded, her excitement palpable as she hurried off toward a section on elemental summoning. Yuki moved more deliberately, her footsteps soft as she navigated the shelves.

  She selected several tomes on summoning fundamentals, her fingers brushing over their worn spines with care. One book in particur caught her attention: Soul Binding and Control: An Advanced Guide. The bckened cover seemed to pulse faintly with energy, and Yuki felt a spark of curiosity as she added it to her growing stack.

  Once she had everything she needed, she joined Sienna at a central table. The foxkin had already begun flipping through her chosen books, her tail swishing happily as she read.

  “Find what you were looking for?” Sienna asked without looking up.

  “Yes,” Yuki replied, setting her books down and opening the first one.

  They read in companionable silence, the soft rustle of pages the only sound between them. Hours passed as Yuki delved deeper into the intricate mechanics of summoning, her sharp mind absorbing the complex diagrams and incantations with ease.

  The second book, on soul-based magic, was even more fascinating. It detailed methods for summoning and controlling creatures formed from pure soul energy, emphasizing the delicate bance required to maintain such bonds. The text hinted at incredible possibilities—powers that resonated with Yuki’s growing understanding of herself.

  Sienna, meanwhile, was thoroughly engrossed in her studies, occasionally muttering to herself or jotting down notes.

  When they finally closed their books, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting the library in a golden glow.

  “That was... a lot,” Sienna said, stretching her arms above her head.

  Yuki nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It was worthwhile.”

  As they prepared to leave, Yuki gnced at Sienna. “Are you an adventurer?”

  Sienna tilted her head, her ears twitching. “Yeah, why?”

  “Would you like to form a party?”

  Sienna blinked in surprise. “You mean with you?”

  “Yes,” Yuki said simply. “It would be mutually beneficial.”

  A grin spread across Sienna’s face. “You’ve got yourself a deal!”

  Yuki simply nodded before they both walked out the building. Ready to return to the Inn for the day.

  Kiera_Yanagi