The wind felt different.
Not colder—but curious. As if the world itself was starting to watch her.
Hana sat alone in the temple courtyard, sketching the crest that had appeared on her chest after the Spirit Crossroads. It wasn't just a fox anymore—it was now surrounded by a circle of intertwined flame and mist. It glowed faintly at night.
She blinked… and for a moment, she saw something move behind the tree.
A pale child with no shadow. Wide, glowing eyes. Watching.
Then gone.
---
That Evening – Daejin's Market District
"I'm not seeing things," Hana insisted.
Taemin leaned against a wooden stall, arms crossed, his eyes flicking around for threats. "You've just returned from the Spirit Plane. Maybe you're still—"
"I saw a child with no shadow. Twice."
Taemin didn't answer.
Because he saw it too.
A spirit. Clinging to her aura. Drawn to her flame like a moth to a lantern.
"She's attracting them," he muttered.
---
Later – Rooftop Training Ground
Taemin threw a foxfire blade. It stopped mid-air, hovered… then dissolved.
"Your spiritual pressure is unstable. It's bleeding out."
Hana winced. "Is that bad?"
"It's like leaving your front door open in a city of thieves."
"You're saying I'm a walking beacon."
"No. I'm saying I need to watch you 24/7 until we figure out what's calling them."
Hana's eyebrows rose. "Are you complaining?"
He looked at her. "...No."
---
Midnight – The Whispering Alley
A group of rogue spirit-touched—humans with corrupted auras—had gathered.
One of them whispered, "The Foxheart has awakened."
Another: "And the Crimson Fang will want her."
In the shadows, a woman cloaked in black silk grinned. Her voice was low and sweet:
> "Let them come. Let her shine. The prophecy is finally moving."
---
The Next Morning – The Temple of Celestial Threads
An oracle was brought before the High Seeress, shaking.
"I saw her. The one from the scrolls."
"The Foxheart?"
The oracle nodded. "The flame in her heart isn't hers. But she carries it like it was born inside her. The spirits are gathering because… they remember."
The High Seeress turned toward the sacred tapestry—where a new thread had begun weaving itself in golden silk.
---
That night, Hana stood at her window, staring at the sky.
From the stars above, a faint fox-shaped constellation gleamed—new, uncharted, glowing brighter than all others.
Behind her, Taemin stood quietly. Watching. Guarding.
> "They'll come for you soon," he said.
She turned to him. "Then let them."
Her mark glowed. And for the first time… she smiled.
---