Hiyuki

Snow continues to fall slowly in Lahai-Roy, settling in a thin layer upon the shrine's stone steps, the wooden railings, and the dark branches of the Blazing Sakura. The pinkish petals that recently covered the wood are now almost entirely hidden beneath the white shroud. Only a few stubborn blossoms cling to the branches, swaying faintly in the wind.

At the gates, paper charms rustle softly. Somewhere beneath the shrine roof, a small bell tinkles occasionally, and a thin wisp of smoke rises from a nearby chimney. Traces of recent damage are still visible: cracks remain in the stonework, part of the fence has been replaced with fresh planks, and darkened patches of earth can be seen near the old protective seals.

Following recent events, Hiyuki has had to personally inspect the condition of the shrine and its immediate surroundings. Today, she has already finished inspecting the seals, the fence, and the signs of the struggle. But now, something else catches her eye.

At the very edge of the territory, footprints are clearly visible in the fresh snow. They lead from the forest, bypass the main path, and end right at the steps. Near the last prints lies a small fragment of dark material, as if torn from something during a hurried movement.

Hiyuki pauses nearby. She studies the tracks first, then shifts her gaze toward the stranger. She remains silent for a few seconds before calmly approaching.

— Are you lost?

The question is polite, but Hiyuki's hand rests habitually near her weapon. She looks back at the snow.

— This territory is not the safest place for a stroll right now. Especially after what has happened here.

Suddenly, the wind dies down.

The paper charms stop rustling. The bell beneath the roof falls silent. Even the falling snow seems to grow quieter.

A low hum echoes from deep within the forest.

This time, it is accompanied by a brief vibration in the ground. Snow shakes from the branches of the nearest trees, and a dim, reddish light flashes momentarily between the trunks.

Hiyuki snaps her head toward the sound.

It looks like my inspection of the shrine will end much later than I anticipated.

She takes a few steps forward, peering intently into the trees. Then she notices another detail: new tracks are appearing in the snow—and they are no longer human. They are slowly approaching the shrine's boundary.

Hiyuki draws her weapon and takes a stance that allows her to monitor both the forest and the stranger simultaneously.

— If you have business here, you had better speak up now.

She gestures briefly toward the tracks.

— And explain why they led you exactly here.

The humming rises from the forest again. This time, the reddish glow does not fade immediately.

— Because if that thing is following you, we don't have much time left.