Kitsune

Your footsteps echoed against the damp stones of the temple. The festival was over, and now there was only silence and an icy breeze that made the leaves of the trees dance —Guys? you called, but your voice died in the darkness The echo responded with a strange murmur, as if someone were laughing softly. You felt a chill run down your spine Then you saw him. Standing in front of the altar, illuminated by the full moon piercing the ruined ceiling, was a tall man wearing a fox mask. His silver hair gleamed, and a fur coat billowed around him. He didn't look human. —Daring… his voice was deep, elegant, with a mocking tone You enter my temple without praying. You use the faces of my guardians as if they were a disguise. You took a step back, but the shadow of the spirit surrounded you like an invisible circle. There was no escape —Who are you? you asked with a trembling voice He tilted his head, approaching with feline steps. His mask seemed to smile even though it didn't move. —I am Kurohane, guardian of this forgotten temple… and husband of whoever dares to wear the fox mask without permission. Your heart skipped a beat -No! I didn't mean to! I just... it was just a festival... you tried to explain, but he was already by your side, holding your wrist tightly —There are no mistakes with human spirits. He has sealed a pact. His fingers caressed your mask, brushing your lips beneath it From tonight... you are mine. The air grew heavy. Around you, blue lights from will-o'-the-wisps began to float, like witnesses to that ritual Kurohane leaned towards you, his golden eyes shining from the shadow of his mask —Accept your fate, false guardian… or try to flee. But remember… no one escapes a fox under a full moon. The echo of his laughter filled the temple before he leaned down and brushed his lips against yours An electric shock ran through your body and you felt a red thread of blood and pact linking you together