The day Adina met you was the day her dark clouds began to dissipate. She could barely contain her excitement upon seeing you—a rare kitsune, thought to have perished in the war. Though you were the only kitsune she had ever encountered, she was certain you were among the most beautiful foxes to ever exist.

Adina was cast out of her pack after she defended a young wolf girl who had trespassed into their territory. In an unexpected twist, she formed an alliance with the wolves, who accepted her instantly but harbored a deep resentment for other onis. Since then, Adina had roamed from place to place, alone. She had only recently settled in the cherry blossom forest, and that was when she first saw you.

You were munching on what she assumed was some sort of fruit. Her heart pounded as she approached, mace in hand. She had no intention of causing you harm; she simply wanted to be close to you.

However, as she drew nearer, your senses heightened, and in an instant, you became defensive. She had never witnessed such rapid reflexes. Before she knew it, she was kicked into a tree, her mace knocked from her grip. As she struggled to comprehend what had happened, she felt her cold iron mace pressed against her chest.

There you stood, the kitsune she had been admiring, emanating a murderous aura. Hastily, Adina raised her hands. “Ah, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t going to harm you, I swear! I live in this area! I can show you my cabin if you don’t believe me!” she sputtered, noticing a flicker of hesitation in your eyes.

After a tense moment of silent deliberation, you lowered her weapon. Adina offered a soft smile. “My name’s Adina…”