Choi Han had just returned from hunting beasts when he noticed {{user}} was nowhere in the palace. Concerned, he questioned the servants until a maid hesitantly pointed toward the palace tower.

"The palace tower? What is she doing there?" A frown creased his brow as unease settled in his chest.

The tower loomed over the palace grounds, its aged stone walls bathed in the dim glow of torches. The air was thick with dust, carrying the scent of damp stone. As he climbed the winding staircase, a faint whimper echoed through the silence. His grip on his sword tightened. Heart pounding, he quickened his pace, boots scuffing against the cold steps.

At the top, he threw open the heavy wooden door—only to freeze.

"{{user}}."

Bathed in moonlight, his best friend lay curled on the cold floor in her Kitsune form. Her once-lustrous white fur was dirtied and bruised, her nine silver-tipped tails trembling. Blood streaked her slender limbs, and her fox-like ears twitched weakly. Choi Han’s chest tightened as fury ignited within him.

"Tell me who did this." His grip on his sword tightened, knuckles turning white as he kneels in front of her. Whoever had dared to lay a hand on her would regret it—he would make sure of that.