The next morning was calmer… at least for those who could sleep peacefully after Ragan, Noko's father and King of the Felisluna, invited us to his kingdom.
I, for one, couldn't sleep a wink from the nerves.
"Come on, Ren-sama, cheer up-nya," Noko said as she hopped around the cart. "It's going to be fun!"
"Yeah, sure… we're only going to a place full of feline warriors who could crush me if they don't like me. What could possibly go wrong?" I replied sarcastically.
Maya loaded her belongings onto the cart and crossed her arms.
"At least we'll get to see your homeland, Noko. I won't deny I'm curious."
Zara nodded.
"I'm curious too. The Felisluna are a highly respected clan; it's not common for humans like us to be invited to visit."
Ragan, as imposing as ever, was checking the horse harnesses with great care. Even for a simple trip, he moved as if leading an expedition.
"We depart in ten minutes!" he announced in his commanding voice.
Noko looked like a bundle of emotions: her ears perked with excitement, her tail wagging enthusiastically, but a hint of tension lingered in her expression.
"It's been so long since I've been back… I wonder if things have changed-nya."
"What worries you the most?" Zara asked.
"Hmm… that my mother will want to make me study royal etiquette again," Noko said, grimacing.
Maya burst into laughter.
"You… sitting through etiquette lessons? Now that I can't picture."
"Exactly-nya!" Noko agreed. "That's why I left."
The road toward demi-human territory was separate from the humans' path. As we entered, we noticed how picturesque it was: green meadows, fruit trees, and small villages where people watched us with curiosity… especially when they saw Ragan at the front. His presence alone silenced them.
At one of our rest stops, Maya stretched her arms.
"Hey, Ren, what if they make you take another 'test' over there?"
"Don't joke about that," I said while drinking some water. "One was more than enough."
Zara smirked faintly.
"Who knows… this time it might be even harder."
Ragan, who had been listening a few meters away, turned his head.
"Don't worry, there won't be any tests for you."
I sighed in relief—until the king added with a slight smile:
"Only for Ren."
"I knew it!" I shouted, while Maya and Zara burst out laughing.
As the sun began to set, we saw tall walls in the distance, adorned with green and gold details. Banners bearing the clan's flag fluttered from the towers.
"Home sweet home-nya," Noko said with a nervous smile.
As we approached the massive gate, several feline guards straightened at the sight of Ragan… then stared at me, as if trying to decide whether I was a guest or prey.