The west side of the forest was always mist-heavy at dawn, and Ahce moved carefully, scanning the ground for edible roots while the cub trotted beside her. The divine foxlet, still unnamed, was a small bundle of glowing fur, its nine tails swaying like pale lanterns. It nudged leaves and overturned stones as if helping her forage.
"We're almost out of dried meat," Ahce murmured. "Hopefully, we find something before noon."
The cub chirped in agreement and bounded ahead.
Ahce smiled faintly. Days had passed since she rescued Tiffany and the three students. Though the others remained bedridden, Tiffany could finally sit up without shaking. The hut was crowded, but warm, safe, and peaceful.
Or so Ahce hoped.
A sudden gust of wind swept through the clearing, rattling the treetops. The cub bristled, tails rising high.
Ahce froze.
