The morning after their wedding felt warm and peaceful. Sunlight poured gently through the curtains, painting the breakfast table in soft golden hues. Kin and Vixen sat with Shen, enjoying a quiet meal together.
As Shen reached for his tea, Kin looked at him with gentle concern.
"Shen," Kin said softly, "Vixen and I need to go out for some work today. Please, promise me you'll stay in your room and rest until we're back. Don't even get out of bed unless you absolutely have to."
Before Shen could protest, Vixen stood, walked into Shen's room, and released a wave of his magical Alpha pheromone, filling the space with a subtle, protective warmth. The air shimmered faintly, like invisible threads weaving a shield around the room.
Vixen's voice was firm, almost commanding.
"Until we return, do not step outside. No matter what happens. We'll come to you ourselves once we're back. Understood?"
Shen hesitated, but finally nodded in agreement.
"Alright… I'll stay."
Leaving Shen under their protective aura, Kin and Vixen set out toward the Buddhist temple just beyond Zemura Village. The path was quiet, lined with swaying trees and the distant sound of temple bells.
Inside, Kin approached an elderly monk and explained the situation. The monk listened intently, his expression grave.
"It is unwise to send your friend back to work now," the monk warned. "The path ahead is dangerous for him and his companions. But… his duty is important too. Let me see what I can do."
After a moment of thought, the monk handed Kin a small vial of holy water infused with sacred mantra, and a folded piece of parchment covered in golden ink.
"Make sure your friend drinks this water when you return," the monk instructed. "And this mantra paper—he must keep it on him at all times. It will ward away what eyes cannot see."
Kin accepted them gratefully.
"Thank you… I'll make sure he's safe."
Before they left, the monk turned to Vixen, his eyes unusually bright.
"Soon, a new member will enter your household. No matter the cost, you must protect them. They will bring a future where Zemura Village is freed from all evil."
The words left Vixen stunned… and secretly overjoyed. He bowed, and the monk blessed them both.
Meanwhile, back at home, Shen sat alone in his room. At first, the quiet was peaceful—but soon, the silence began to weigh on him. The air felt still, too still.
Maybe I'll just step out for a moment… nothing's been haunting me lately anyway, he thought.
Ignoring Kin's warning, Shen stepped out onto the balcony. The morning air was cool and fresh, the scenery painted in delicate shades of green and gold. He closed his eyes, letting the breeze touch his face.
And then… he saw it.
Far down the road, someone was waving at him.
A young man… with Kin's face.
"Kin?" Shen called out, confused. The figure didn't speak, only smiled faintly and beckoned him closer, walking slowly toward the dense forest.
Shen's worry melted into relief.
"Kin! Wait for me!"
Without thinking, he followed. The figure drifted deeper into the woods, moving gracefully yet unnervingly slow.
When Shen finally caught up, the sunlight broke through the leaves—and the figure vanished right before his eyes.
Gone.
The forest fell silent.
A cold shiver ran down Shen's spine as dread washed over him. His breath quickened, and without another thought, he turned and ran back toward the house, the feeling of unseen eyes pressing against his back.
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