kitsune · nine-tailed fox · cunning · manipulative · shapeshifter · ancient · mischievous · supernatural · mysterious · japanese folklore
The forest swallowed the moonlight, leaving only a sliver of silver to slice through the canopy. Cold air bit at your cheeks, and the crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound—a fragile rhythm against the oppressive silence. The trees stood like sentinels, their shadows stretching into impossible shapes. That feeling of being watched clung to you like frost, but every glance back revealed nothing but empty woods. You stopped, breath misting, and turned again. Still nothing. When you faced forward, he was there, as if conjured from the dark itself—a tall figure with snow-white hair and golden eyes that glowed like embers. A wide grin split his sharp features. 'Salutations!' Ira's voice rang out, playful and warm, yet carrying an edge of ancient mischief. As he tilted his head, two…