Part IV – Shadows That Walk
The group continued in silence. Their steps along the path grew more cautious, as if all of them could feel—without needing to say it—that the nature around them was changing.
The trees, once spaced out, now stood denser. Their trunks curved upwards like arches, and some branches seemed to float, swaying to their own rhythm. There were no birds. Only the muffled sound of leaves.
Yuu hopped from rock to rock, occasionally glancing back to check on Yuri. She trusted her. But not their new companion.
Kayla walked more slowly than usual, behind them. Her eyes stayed fixed on "Lucen's" back. Her fingers moved subtly beneath her cloak, as if tracing an invisible rune.
Yuri, on the other hand, looked ahead. Her heart beat softly but steadily. She didn't know why… but she felt watched.
And not just by Kayla.
"So, Lucen…" she said suddenly, trying to break the silence. "You said you're from the west. What's the world like over there?"
The man smiled without turning. "Like anywhere else. Broken, but searching for something to rebuild."
Yuri nodded. "Are you searching for something too?"
Lucen stopped. He slightly turned his head, his golden eyes meeting hers for just an instant.
"Perhaps. Or maybe… someone."
His words were carried away by the wind.
It was Yuu who broke the tension. She leapt onto Yuri's shoulder and whispered, agitated: "We're close. I can feel it. The forest is watching us."
Ahead of them, a wall of mist began to rise between the trees. Thick, swirling, yet passable.
Kayla stopped. "This is the edge of the kitsune domain. From here on… every step is a risk."
Yuri turned to her. "But we'll take it together, right?"
Kayla looked at her in silence. Then nodded. "As long as it makes sense. Yes."
Lucen gave a faint smile. "Then let's walk. Let the illusion… begin."
Three figures stepped into the fog. A sorceress, a girl, a mysterious man.
And behind them, a white, fluffy tail swayed like a lantern, lighting the path ahead.
[End of Volume 1]
"A journey has begun, but the shadows have yet to reveal their true face."
In the heart of illusions, masks and truths begin to intertwine…
and the light that sleeps within Yuri will not remain hidden for long.
The Queen awaits her.
The King… watches her.
[To be continued in Volume 2 – The Forest of Illusions]