Wendy stepped through the portal, Eyia by her side. The sharp pulse of magic faded as her feet hit the stone-paved ground of Avalon Academy’s lecture district.

  She blinked, still a little surprised she didn’t need to adjust her vision to the brightness of the sprawling campus that stretched before them. Ever since gaining this Null-Void power…it was hard to explain, even to herself.

  Hugging her arms, she stared out across the vibrant landscape, filled with towering lecture halls, gardens blooming with bioluminescent flowers, and sky bridges that glowed with ethereal light. To her right, Eyia scanned their surroundings with her usual focused expression.

  She never relaxes… Why can’t Sora understand me?! Will she even care that I’m not with her when she’s with that wolf? Why does it even matter to me?! It’s like…she’s pulling away from me.

  Wendy swallowed the lump in her throat, bringing around her bushy squirrel tail to run a hand through her fur. I thought when we became sisters…when we shared this Null-Void thing, then we’d get closer. But she always has to bring Kari around!

  Trying to distract herself, she huffed and looked across the grand academy, far more impressive than anywhere else she’d visited, but it wasn’t the grandeur that had her heart pounding in her chest. It was Sora.

  It’s never just…us anymore. And when it is us, she somehow brings the wolf up and worries about how she’s adapting. It’s…frustrating! Is she mad?

  She couldn’t help but glance back at the portal as it shimmered behind them, her stomach twisting with guilt. She hadn’t exactly meant to ditch Sora, but when she saw the look in her sister’s eyes—when she noticed how the fox was trying to pull Kari into the group—she’d decided to pull Eyia along with her on another path. It just…happened.

  Why has she been getting so close to Kari? Sure, forgive her, whatever, but…actually making her a part of our lives? How am I supposed to deal with that? I’m not like you…

  Her fingers rubbed the back of her neck, trying to ease the tension as she walked forward with Eyia, the Valkyrie giving her a few bewildered looks..

  What’s wrong with me? She growled inside. Sora wants some time with Kari? Sure. It makes sense. I know Kari has her own struggles, and Sora’s all about helping…but where do I fit in that picture?

  Fingers moving to rub her elbow, her nose twisted while shifting to the ground. Ever since Kari…changed, if you want to call it that, the whole dynamic with Sora has sort of…changed with it. It bugs me, and I don’t know why! Kari’s opening up. She’s struggling. But…so am I. Her hand found the brooch attached between her bust, fire igniting in her chest. I’m freaking jewelry, Sora! I’m…struggling too.

  Eyia’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Wendy.”

  “Hmm?” she gave a start, glancing up at the tall blonde warrior. “What’s up?”

  “Mmm.” A frown creased the girl’s mouth. “Why have you separated us from Sora? If there is an assailant, then she will be vulnerable without the party unified.”

  Wendy stiffened, her ears flicking at the sudden question. She hadn’t expected Eyia to notice, much less ask outright. Wendy forced a grin, scratching the side of her head. “Oh, you know. I just thought Sora and Kari needed some time together. Figured you and I could explore a bit. Plus, it’s not like it’s dangerous during the day.”

  Eyia’s icy blue eyes narrowed slightly as she tilted her head. “Our sister seemed…uncertain. I do not think she wished for us to leave her side.”

  Grin faltering, Wendy crossed her arms, breathing out deeply as her tail beat in agitation. “She’ll be fine. She’s got Kari with her.”

  Eyia didn’t respond immediately. Instead, her gaze followed a group of students walking past—a trio of fae with gossamer wings, their skin shimmering under the light as they chattered among themselves. Wendy took the opportunity to avoid Eyia’s penetrating gaze, her eyes darting around the bustling campus.

  Holographic magical displays taunted them to enter different lecture halls as they passed, showcasing who was teaching that day—names of fae lords, renown scholars of various lands, and creatures of legend projected like celebrities across the walls.

  One image showed an imposing dragon, its dark scales gleaming as flames danced behind it; still, it wasn’t Jin. Another featured a dryad, her body blending seamlessly into a sprawling tree as students gathered beneath her canopy.

  The academy was alive with energy, filled with creatures Wendy had never seen before: tall beings made of mist, tiny folk who weren’t quite fae, and even straight flowers running along the path in uniform lines. But despite the awe and wonder of it all, Wendy’s mind was still with her frustrating sister.

  “Wendy,” Eyia’s voice came again, quieter now, yet no less direct. “Do you not feel Kari is…a threat to our sister?”

  Wendy’s lips pulled in. A threat? No. No…she’s not anymore. That’s part of the problem… I don’t like it. How can she be so forgiving? How can she trust her? Why is she trying to drag all of us by the tail to be her friend?

  The thoughts stirred something inside her. Something she wasn’t ready to face. Her hands clenched underneath her armpits, and her tail flicked again, betraying her unease.

  “I get you don’t trust fenris wolves, Eyia, but…I don’t think she’s a threat,” she finally said, her voice quieter than before. “It’s just…different now. Between all of us. I don’t know how to explain it,” she snarled, scratching at her left ear as it twitched.

  Eyia stopped walking, her eyes still fixed on her, unwavering. “Yet, you are worried,” she said matter-of-factly, as if stating an obvious fact. “Is it that Sora’s new connection with Kari makes you believe she will leave you behind?”

  Wendy felt her cheeks flush, heat creeping up her neck. She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words caught in her throat. She knew Eyia wasn’t trying to make her feel bad or upset her, but the truth hit hard. Her tail flicked again, more sharply this time, and she looked away, her eyes landing on a group of fae practicing their nature magic near one of the garden fountains.

  It’s…more than that, she thought, unable to voice it aloud.

  Wendy rubbed her arm absentmindedly, watching as one of the fae summoned an intricate illusion—a shifting scene of rolling meadows that faded into mystical skies of the Realm Tree’s branches, dotted like stars.

  “Maybe a little,” she muttered, a shiver running up her spine. “I just… I’m used to being the one Sora leaned on, you know? It felt like things were going back to normal. I’ve known her my entire life. And now…now it feels like she doesn’t need me as much anymore, and maybe that’s because I…left her first.”

  A lump formed in her throat and she released a hot stream of air at the admission, trying not to cry. “I was too weak to stand up for Sora. I buckled and tried to hide while she had to deal with it every day… So I…”

  Unable to say it aloud, she cried it out in her mind. So how can she forgive Kari for everything she did to us when I can’t? I’m terrible…but I can’t. I just…can’t trust her. I couldn’t trust my mom… Sora was the only one I could trust, and now it just feels like…I’m not enough.

  Eyia’s gaze softened, though her expression remained stoic. “Sora values you greatly,” she said after a pause. “But she must also grow in her relationships with others. I do recognize it is important to build bonds and alliances with enemies in times of uncertainty, which we are most certainly in.”

  Wendy sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I’m sorry, Eyia, but that’s really not my issue… I know that. I do. It’s not about that, though. Nothing anyone can say can make it any easier…because I’m the problem.”

  “Oh…” The blonde’s deep blue eyes fell to the stone walkway as she gripped her elbow. “I see. My inexperience is not of help once again and has caused you heartache.”

  Biting her bottom lip, Wendy wanted to smack herself. All I do is mess up! Sora and Eyia are trying so hard but my stupid emotions… The moment I see that stupid wolf my brain checks out and my emotions punch me in the nose.

  “No, it’s not you, Eyia,” she mumbled, moving closer to bump shoulders with her and giving her a strained smile. “You’re wonderful. Thank you for trying to help me and understand.”

  Wendy glanced up at the sky, watching as a flock of winged griffons soared overhead, their wings catching the sunlight in a dazzling display. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being…adrift, unsure of where she fit in this new friend/sister dynamic. Her tail twitched restlessly as her thoughts churned, but eventually some words left her lips.

  “She’ll be fine,” she chuckled, more to herself this time than to Eyia. “Sora always is.” But even as she said it, the knot in her chest refused to loosen.

  Wendy’s thoughts were still swirling when a cheerful voice cut through the air, breaking her focus.

  “Hey, there! Oh my gosh, wait up!”

  Both Wendy and Eyia turned, surprised, as a girl jogged toward them. Dressed in a cute, casual outfit—a short plaid skirt, knee-high socks, and a fitted jacket that accentuated her lithe frame. Her dark gray hair shimmered in the sunlight, catching hints of silver, and a fox tail swaying behind her with each step, gleaming like polished metal. The girl’s face was bright, a wide, bubbly grin plastered on her lips as she waved energetically upon drawing nearer.

  Wendy blinked, her guard immediately thrown up at the stranger’s overly friendly demeanor. Still, the girl’s genuine excitement was disarming, and when she reached them, her breath was only slightly labored as she bent over with a giggle, looking between Wendy and Eyia.

  “Wow, I’ve never seen you guys around here before! Are you new?” She clasped her hands together and leaned in toward Wendy, eyes sparkling. “And oh my stars, is that your tail?!”

  Wendy instinctively twitched her bushy tail to the side, but the girl’s gaze followed it like a hawk. “Uh, obviously…” Wendy said slowly, brushing a hand defensively through her fur, which suddenly felt much more noticeable as they caught a few fae’s eyes. “I mean, yes. It’s my tail.”

  The girl gasped, her dark gray ears perking up. “It’s gorgeous! Like, seriously. Are you a vulpes like me? I haven’t seen a tail that fluffy in ages! It almost looks like a squirrel tail, I swear! But, sniff, sniff, mhm! You smell a little like a vulpes.”

  Wendy’s cheeks flushed slightly at the sudden compliment, her fingers awkwardly rubbing at the tuft of her tail. “Uh, no, I’m not fully a vulpes,” she said, trying to play it cool despite the girl’s infectious enthusiasm. “I’m…sort of a mix between a vulpes, tanuki, and…I guess a squirrel? It’s complicated.”

  The girl’s eyes widened in over exaggerated surprise, and she let out an exaggerated gasp, her hands flying to her cheeks. “A mix?!” She practically squealed, bouncing up and down. “That’s so cool! I’ve never seen a tanuki, much less a fox with such a fluffy tail. You must get compliments all the time! And that color—gorgeous! I can totally see the tanuki in you.”

  Wendy couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips, the attention admittedly flattering. “Yeah, I guess I do,” she mumbled, scratching her nose. “Thanks.”

  Eyia, who had been watching the exchange with silent intensity, narrowed her eyes slightly but said nothing, simply observing. The girl shifted her attention briefly to the Valkyrie, giving her a quick glance before her focus snapped back to Wendy with laser-like precision.

  “Anyway! Umm. I’m Yeon-ah, by the way.” She gave a bubbly laugh, her tail flicking playfully behind her as she extended her hand. “What’s your name? Have you been to any of the vulpes lectures yet? You’ve gotta check them out! They’re amazing! Well, I don’t know about this new one, but Mistress Katie Milla is the best! I swear. You seem like someone who’d totally love her lectures.”

  Wendy hesitated for a moment before taking the girl’s hand, feeling the warm, bubbly energy radiating off of her in waves. “Wendy,” she said, her voice softening a little. “And no, I haven’t been to any vulpes lectures yet. This is, eh, kind of my first—second day,” she corrected. “I didn’t know they had other ones for vulpes other than the one Fen is assisting.”

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  “Oh, they do!” Yeon-ah’s tail swished excitedly behind her, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah, I don’t know about that new one. Gives me the chills, personally. But Prof. Katie has lectures about magic, transformation, history—fae boys,” she winked, “everything! You’d fit right in, I bet.”

  Wendy chuckled, a little unsure but enjoying the girl’s enthusiasm; she was certainly a good recruiter. “Well, I’m not fully a vulpes, and…I’m not quite sure how my magic works yet, but maybe I’ll check it out. Are you…”

  “Me? I am! But no, no,” Yeon-ah giggled, shaking her head as her dark hair shimmered in the light. “I’m not like all the other Kumiho,” she protested, looking slightly panicked now.

  A bucket of cold water suddenly dumped over Wendy’s head at the type of vulpes, knowing their history of the Korean fox spirit. If that wasn’t enough, Diane had warned Sora about a nine-tailed one that escaped the SCC Foundation containment zone.

  Yeon-ah’s hands tightened nervously at her front, ears pulling back as if on trial.

  “I don’t eat human flesh! You know only the older ones do, right? Look, look!” she brandished her single tail, Wendy’s hear suddenly cramping at the plea in the girl’s amber eyes, asking not to burn her at the stake. “My goal is to find a way to, umm, prevent that…” she mumbled, fidgeting a little with her skirt.

  Trying to control her fear, Wendy regained her smile. “That’s really noble. I think my sister would like to help with that… I’m guessing you like to learn about magic?” she asked, not sure what else to say after the previous topic.

  “I love learning about all the different types of fox magic!” she chimed, regaining her cute cheer and twirling around to show off her single tail with a playful wink. “Just the one for me, so I’m still a young cutie! I didn’t know my mom but I found plenty of help here from the Vulpes Elders.”

  Wendy found herself relaxing a little more at the girl’s instant pleas, really trying not to be weird or shunned. Yeon-ah’s energy was contagious, and it was nice to have someone be so friendly—especially after feeling so unsure about her place with Sora and Kari.

  She glanced at Eyia, wondering if the Valkyrie had any thoughts, but Eyia’s expression remained carefully neutral, though her eyes were still fixed on Yeon-ah. Of course, she thinks she’s a threat. Everything’s a threat to a warrior who has lived her whole life on an island only filled with things that wanted to kill her.

  “So,” Yeon-ah continued, her hair bouncing as she leaned up and down on her heels slightly, “what brings you two to Avalon Academy? Are you new here? I bet you are. You’ve got that ‘newbie’ look about you! Not that that’s bad! Wait, you already said it was your first or second day, silly me!” she grinned, bonking herself on the head. “I speak sometimes before I think.”

  Wendy chuckled, feeling some of the tension melt away. “Yeah, it’s our first time. Just checking things out today, really.”

  “That’s so exciting!” Yeon-ah’s eyes sparkled. “This is my second semester. There’s so much to see! You’re going to love it. Oh, and the teachers? Top-notch. I’ve got some tips on which ones to avoid, though—like, don’t even bother with the Fae Linguistics professor unless you want to fall asleep, literally. She’s a good sleeping pill for those restless nights.”

  Wendy laughed, feeling a strange warmth settle in her chest. This girl was a whirlwind, but she couldn’t deny that it was kind of nice to have someone be so open and friendly with her, especially when things with Sora had been feeling so…complicated.

  Just as Wendy was about to respond, Eyia’s voice cut through the air like a cold blade. “Your illusions are poor.”

  Wendy blinked, her attention snapping to Eyia, who had taken a step forward, her glowing blue eyes narrowing at Yeon-ah. The Valkyrie’s hand hovered near her waist, fingers twitching as if ready to summon her spear at a moment’s notice.

  Yeon-ah’s bubbly demeanor didn’t falter, but her eyes flickered for just a second—something dark and calculating passed over her features before her smile returned, a little sharper this time. “Illusions?” she echoed sweetly, tilting her head in mock confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Eyia’s voice remained cold, unyielding. “Drop the facade, fox. You are no simple student. Your games are not amusing and hide deeper intentions. State them.”

  Wendy’s heart raced, her eyes darting between the two of them at the sudden change in atmosphere. The air around them seemed to still, thick with tension as a cold breeze whipped around them from the Valkyrie’s aura. Yeon-ah’s tail flicked lazily behind her, a sigh leaving her lips as her grin widened.

  “Well,” she said, her tone light but carrying a hint of something dangerous beneath the surface as it became slightly more mature, “I guess the game’s up, huh? You must be something foreign to our universe…like your dragon friend.”

  With a wave of her hand, Yeon-ah’s single tail shimmered, splitting into nine sleek, silver-tipped bundles of fur that fanned out behind her, each one glowing faintly in the magical light of the academy grounds. She maintained her youthful appearance, though.

  Wendy’s breath caught in her throat. “You’re…that Kumiho. Ugh. I should have known it was too good to be true. Why be so interested in me?” she grumbled, rubbing between her eyes.

  Yeon-ah’s smile turned wickedly playful as she leaned in, her eyes gleaming as Eyia held up a hand, yet the Kumhio paused just short. “Caught me,” she purred. “Earlier than I would have liked. But don’t worry, I’m not here to cause any trouble…not yet, anyway.”

  A stillness passed between them, Wendy watching her nine tails shimmer like polished silver under the soft light of Avalon Academy’s bustling district. Each one of the long appendages were radiant and graceful as they moved behind the Kumiho’s skirt.

  The whispers around them grew louder, heads turning as students and faculty alike noticed her presence. Fae students with luminescent wings and creatures of mist stared, some with awe, others with wary glances. Wendy could feel the shift in the air, the weight of attention drawn to Yeon-ah’s dazzling figure.

  The disguised woman basked in it, every movement deliberate as she swayed slightly on her heels, the playful grin never leaving her lips. “You know,” she said, breaking the stalemate, her tone carrying a hint of maturity now, though still wrapped in her bubbly enthusiasm, “everything I said earlier? It was all true.”

  Eyia’s blue eyes narrowed, ready for action at a moment’s notice. “True, except for the part about eating humans, I presume,” she said coldly, her hand hovering near her side as if she expected an attack.

  Yeon-ah chuckled, shifting her weight as she twirled a strand of her shimmering hair between her fingers. “Oh, my icy blonde,” she purred, stepping closer with a confident sway, “words and how they’re spoken are important.

  “I said, I don’t eat human flesh. Not anymore. None of the Kumiho you’ll meet in Avalon are quite like me.” She hummed, her voice turning almost conspiratorial. “Didn’t you know there are humans here in Avalon? All perfectly capable of being feasted upon by the fae, if you know where to look.”

  Wendy’s gut tightened at the thought, her hand instinctively moving to her brooch, gripping it tightly. “Humans, in Avalon…as food?” she asked, her voice a little shaky despite herself. “Are you serious? That’s allowed?”

  Can I trust anything she says? I shouldn’t…but fae are known for some bad things in folklore…

  Yeon-ah’s amber eyes gleamed as she leaned in slightly, her lips pulling into a playful yet knowing smile. “Oh, sweet Wendy, this place may look immaculate, but like anywhere in the mists, it has its shadows. Just as the Foundation has its skeletons, don’t think Avalon doesn’t have a few tucked away in The Darkness. You’d be surprised what’s hiding just beneath the surface.”

  The Kumiho’s tails shimmered again, shifting back into a single one as she turned on her heel, waving her hand dismissively and returning to her cute, bubbly facade. “But hey, I’m not here to spill all the secrets.” She glanced over her shoulder, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “If you want to learn more, you can always find me in Mistress Katie Milla’s class. She’s a wonderful teacher for those interested in…transformation magic.”

  Wendy opened her mouth to respond, but Yeon-ah continued before she could get a word in. “Oh, and one last thing,” she added, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. “Sora’s too forgiving, too open to protect herself. You should watch out for her.” Her amber eyes flickered as they locked with Wendy’s. “Don’t you agree?”

  The mention of Sora made Wendy’s stomach churn. She wasn’t wrong… Sora had a habit of seeing the good in people, even those who had wronged her… Like Kari. But trusting a Kumiho? Someone with a reputation for trickery and manipulation?

  “Diane’s here,” Yeon-ah added, almost casually, watching as Wendy’s face turned red at the witch’s name. “Didn’t you know? It seems Avalon is the place to be.” She winked again, her voice light and playful once more as she turned away. “Tootles!”

  Her mind flashed back to Diane as the vulpes retreated, a sway in her hips that put even Fen to shame. If the horrible woman from the Foundation was here, the witch who had mocked and belittled her, then something was definitely up. Diane’s shadow hung over Sora like a dark cloud, and the thought that she might be lurking in Avalon made Wendy’s skin crawl.

  With a final wave, Yeon-ah’s silver tail shimmered as she skipped off into the distance, leaving Wendy and Eyia standing in silence. Her mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to process everything Yeon-ah had just said.

  Diane? Here? And Sora… Was Yeon-ah right? Was Sora too open, too willing to forgive? Her fingers curled into a fist as her chest tightened with a sudden surge of protectiveness. Sora has such a big heart, but…it leaves her vulnerable… Vulnerable to be hurt like my mom hurt me. Vulnerable to people like Kari.

  “I don’t trust her,” Eyia flatly stated, her gaze still locked on where Yeon-ah had disappeared to inside a lecture hall. “Her aura reeks of deceit.”

  Wendy swallowed, trying to steady her racing thoughts. “I…I don’t know,” she muttered, her voice unsteady. “She wasn’t entirely wrong about Sora, though… You know she’s too trusting.”

  Eyia’s mouth became a line, no doubt thinking about all the threats Sora let into her life, people like Sela, Kari, Fen, and a host of other potential vulnerabilities.

  “We must stay vigilant.”

  Nodding absently, Wendy found herself sinking deeper into her thoughts as they walked in silence toward Professor Kurosaki’s lecture hall, where Fen would be. Every step felt heavier than the last, her mind churning with Yeon-ah’s words.

  The Darkness in Avalon… Its secrets… Diane’s presence… Sora’s kindness… It was all a tangled mess in her head, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was losing her place in her sister’s life when they should be getting closer than ever.

  I feel…dirty! I don’t like it… I want to protect Sora, like she protects me. I don’t want to be the side character. I don’t want to be the best friend to just sits by and does nothing… I want to mean something…to be wanted.

  When they finally reached the hall, they sat on the steps, waiting for Sora and Kari to arrive. It took nearly thirty minutes for her to show up, Wendy’s mind brooding on Yeon-ah’s words. Yet, her heart skipped a beat as her sister finally approached.

  Nilly skipped cutely beside her, sixteen-years-old and bright eyed; that was the one saving grace she felt recently. If anything, the Cat Mother was on her side… When she needed someone to hold, Nilly was always there recently, waiting to rub against her and give her cuddles.

  But it was the girl beside her sister that snatched her full attention…Sora wasn’t with Kari, nor Ember. Instead, a shy, white-haired girl walked beside her, chuckling at Sora’s jokes and glancing around nervously as they approached the lecture hall.

  Wendy’s fingers clenched into fists, her chest tightening. Another girl. Another stranger. C’mon, Sora! Why are you being so reckless? She could be just like Yeon-ah, playing some part to worm her way into our hearts.

  Wendy’s tail flicked sharply behind her, her protective instincts flaring as her gut twisted with uncertainty. I need to protect you…from your own heart if you won’t guard yourself.

  She bit her lip, her gaze locking onto the white-haired girl. I have to get to the bottom of who all these people are trying to befriend us. Everyone wants something. The fae boy she talked about, Titania, Oberon, Kari… We’re Founders, which means they can gain a lot from us. I have to protect my family!

  * — * — *

  Mia paced, her tails swaying nervously behind her as her sharp ruby eyes locked on the elevator door, heart beating as her nightgown whipped back and forth. Should I go check in? It’s only been a day but she wouldn’t mind me popping in and saying hello, right? Maybe I should make her something. Has she made new friends? How can he be so calm?!

  Noelia sat on the front room couch, Jarlath having gone out to check on something involving the Foundation. It was infuriating to see how easy it was for him to accept their daughter being an entire realm away.

  Sipping at her tea, Noelia lightly cleared her throat. “It doesn’t take magic to see you’ve hit peak manic, Mia. You’re worried about our daughters, aren’t you?”

  She snorted in response, pausing her pacing to glance at her level-headed maid, her usual expression hiding the teasing grin the woman was so well at obfuscating.

  “Of course I am, Noelia. Sora, mainly. That girl…she carries more weight on her shoulders than I ever wanted for her. Why can’t I be more involved? What was I thinking?” She tried to laugh it off, but the sound came out weak. “What a fool I am.”

  Noelia smoothly set her cup down and got to her feet, stepping closer to join her, her fluffy tail brushing against her own as a sign of comfort.

  “You know Jarlath raised her well, and you’ve prepared her as much as you could have in the time you spent together. Sora is strong, Mia, stronger than you give her credit for sometimes.” She gave a small, encouraging smile. “She has a knack for attracting trouble, yes, but isn’t that par for the course with vulpes? And you’re not alone in this… I’ll always be here to help now.”

  Mia blinked, a genuine smile breaking through as she turned to face the tanuki, struggling in her own right with her origins and Wendy’s absence. She had to be.

  Chuckling and nudging her playfully, she shifted her posture to look at the battlefield before her: raw ingredients, laid out and ready to bake some extravagant cake Noelia had planned for today’s lesson.

  “What did I do to deserve having a new friend like you, Noelia? You’re too sweet for your own good…just like my Sora.”

  “Always with the compliments when you don’t want to do something,” the tanuki mused, moving around the counter, waiting for her to join her. “Someone has to balance out all your chaos when Jarlath isn’t around.”

  “Oh, is that it?” she hummed, unable to stop her nine tails from twisting around each other while stepping forward and staring at the daunting items that never did what she told them to, as they should: at least, that’s how she’d baked in the past. “ You’re just here to make sure I don’t ruin everything, huh?”

  She flicked her tails at the tanuki’s back only to have them defeated by Noelia’s. “Well, someone has to keep you in line so you don’t spiral out of control and do something stupid.”

  Eyes softening as she began the tedious task of manual baking, Mia breathed out a resigned sigh. “I appreciate your support, Noelia, no matter if it is my territory or whatever the case. You are a gem to this family…”

  The young woman many millions of years her junior gave her a somber smile as a short pause came between them. “…I know you’re worried about how Inari will take the decisions you’ve made. There’s nothing I can say to comfort you in that. All I can do is try to distract you with sweets crafted by your own hands… Are you ready for war?”

  “Only if you make a batch I can actually enjoy instead of throwing away,” she said with a strained laugh. “My hands get clumsy when I’m nervous and I’ve never been one for exact measurements… Life without magic is a disaster!”

  Noelia laughed softly, shaking her head but the discussion had helped ease her troubled heart. Still, her mind was fixated on that one hole…that one terrifying outcome.

  As weak as Fen is…she is the greatest threat in our lives…but if I do anything obvious about her, it will plant a seed that will grow, making Sora hate me. I cannot see a future where Fen does not bring ruin down on our family. So…I have to put my hope in her.

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