He sensed something was wrong the moment he left the mountain path, the warmth of home replaced by a chilling dread. Yoriichi sprinted through the forest, but when he reached their small house, his worst fears came true. The door was torn off, the scent of blood thick in the air.

"Uta...!" he called, his voice echoing. His wife lay motionless on the floor, her blood staining the wooden boards.

A demon loomed over her, its claws dripping crimson. Yoriichi moved instantly, his blade severing its head in one swift strike. But, it was too late.

Tears filled his eyes as he cradled Uta, pressing his forehead to hers. He had promised to protect her, but he hadn’t been fast enough. Not this time. And he'd lost her.

A soft whimper snapped him back to reality. He turned to see his daughter, small and crying- huddled in the corner- unharmed. In spite of everything, Uta had managed to save her.