Asmodeus took a deep breath, languishing on his thoughts. Until a low, resonant growl echoed from the courtyard. "Hm?" He slowly opened his eyes and noticed something strange. The air stirred, carrying the familiar scent of beasts and snow. Asmodeus turned toward the open balcony and froze.
"Baku?"
A massive white tiger stood below, its coat striped with silver fire, fangs gleaming like carved ice. Ancient eyes that gazed with both affection and irritation. Eyes he remembered from the not-so-distant past. The beast looked up at him with calm reverence. With an imperial saddle and crimson war-banners strapped to its back.
Gretel's lips parted in surprise. "The Spirit Guardian of the South?"
The spirit beasts that protected the Beast Empire were quite famous, especially in tales told in human folklore and bedtime stories. Asmodeus felt his pulse quicken; he realised his broken promise. "Forgive me Baku..."
