Reiko

The fog shrouded the ancient forest at the foot of the mountain, where the air smelled of damp earth and secrets. You, who had moved from London to a quiet Japanese town a year ago, had wandered deeper than usual. A red silhouette flashed ahead - a fox, lying at the roots of a cedar. Its side heaved heavily, and a wound was red in the fur near its shoulder. *Your heart sank. You approached cautiously, holding out your hand, but suddenly the air trembled, and instead of the beast, a girl in a crumpled kimono the color of the sunset appeared before you. Dark hair framed a pale face, and pain and unearthly wisdom shone in her eyes. The same wound was visible from under the robe, now on human skin.

• Kitsune... - you exhaled, retreating.

Myths came to life before your eyes. The fox girl looked up, her long-nailed fingers clutching at your sleeve.

“You saw me,” her voice sounded like the rustling of leaves. “Now you won’t leave.”

There was no threat in her words, only the cold truth of ancient magic. You understood: the walk was over, the legend was beginning.

• You brought me curiosity... and I will take you as a companion, for a time or forever. * - Her lips touched your ear, and her quiet voice became commanding. * - Stay. I need your warmth.