Guys! I'm sooo sorry for that month-long hiatus! July has been a busy month for us. It's when the school stuff came at me big-time: reports, essays, contests, etc. And auditions and screenings for organizations.

But it's also a month full of friend dates with people I missed, and also getting to meet personally some people... Oh whatever. Anyway, they, along with you readers, kept me inspired. So here you go! Enjoy reading!

I highly advise that you only use the potion during daytime, Kurama had said on that night he first made me drink that potion. The effect of the potion will wear off once moonlight hits you.

"What's wrong, Yana?" Kurama, who saw through my lamely-faked smile, inched closer. "You look like you've just run a few miles."

The moonlight.

Kurama had said it clearly. I'd transform back to a silver kitsune either after the twelve-hour limit, or by the light of the moon. But I was too careless.

"Yana," his hand was suddenly on my cheek. He gently nodded once as a gesture that he's calling me to get into his embrace. "Here, come closer and tell me."

The moonlight.

A window in my bedroom allows moonlight to penetrate through. Hence, at full moon, most of the room gets filled with its light, instantly turning me back to my real appearance once I enter.

And the moon just had to be full this time.

"Hey," Kurama whispered, his face appearing so close to me all of a sudden.

I gasped in surprise. "W-what?"

Kurama chuckled at my reaction for a moment. Composing himself, he then continued, "Are you alright? You've only been staring at me, without even bothering to answer." He smirked, "I know I'm handsome, but I'm not a mind reader."

I stifled a smile, looking away. "I just... I..."

That freaking moonlight got me.

It was the other restriction of the potion that I didn't pay any attention to, because I was too preoccupied with the time limit. Being struck by moonlight wasn't something to worry about back then, for I always manage to get back to my room after dinner, which is usually early in the evening. Besides, there aren't a lot of moonlit areas in this castle anyway. My bedroom getting filled by it used to be no problem as well. Kurama and the twin bunnies were the only ones who followed me all the way in.

I never thought that moonlight would be the one to put me in danger.

"You... what?" the fox prompted.

I opened my mouth as if to speak, only to shut it right away. Then the sobs followed.

"Yana? What is it?" he asked, confused and worried, as I crashed into his chest.

I clenched my fists in anger. I look so weak and helpless in front of him.

I don't know what to say. Just how could I tell him that I messed up big time?

Moreover, what will Kurama do, then?

"Is it another nightmare?" Kurama asked, kissing the top of my head.

I looked up at the fox. Oh, if you only knew… this is something worse.

I wanted to tell him. I wanted to apologize, to ask him to help me out.

But fear silenced me. It prevented me from talking, like having packaging tape plastered over my mouth.

Taking my silence as a yes, Kurama continued, "You needn't worry about nightmares. It's all just a dream, okay? I'll be here to fight off your fears. So don't hesitate to come to me."

I nodded. "Thank you," I murmured.

"You know, we should trust each other more now that we're about to get married," he brushed his thumb against my cheek, wiping away the tears. "Trust me with your happiness, fears, and secrets, the same way I'll entrust mine to you," he smiled as he pulled me closer.

Resting my head on his outstretched arm, I could only nod, feeling guiltier.

Kurama, concerned that my fever would come back, postponed training for today. I, on the other hand, couldn't even dare to poke my head out the door, fearing Yomi is just waiting outside. Actually, I haven't been able to get out of my room for two days now.

Then again, with Yomi's years of experience as a thief, he probably knows how to pick the lock of my bedroom door. Effortlessly. So I still had to be on high alert.

But who am I kidding? I can't just hide in here forever.

I put down the book I'm reading—or rather, staring at. Walking over to my dresser, I looked at my reflection. The reflection I've been used to for so long, the reflection of a female silver kitsune. The silver kitsune Kurama had tried so hard to hide from everyone else's view.

I gripped the edge of the dresser table. Why is it so hard to tell him the truth? I'm scared, yet I couldn't pinpoint what I'm even afraid of. I closed my eyes and exhaled sharply, in an attempt to calm down and organize my thoughts.

I have to admit, I'm concerned with what Kurama could do to Yomi. The pollen he uses to make people forget something works less effectively the second time around, so he might rely on other methods. And Yomi, having found out a secret as big as this, surely won't accept having his memories erased just like that, without anything in return. Although I doubt he'll really let Kurama take his memories away. Though I know it won't go as far as bloodshed, it still won't be good.

What's more, what if Yomi already told the others about me? What if he had already convinced some of the men to conspire against Kurama because of the secret he kept?

And am I still even safe within this room?

Click.

The doorknob slowly turned, and the door creaked as it opened. Not knowing who it was on the other side of the door, and too scared to wait and see who it is, I tried dashing for the bathroom, my heart pounding so hard it might come out of my chest.

"That guy," a voice spoke, stopping me from my tracks. Immediately closing the door behind him, Kurama went to sit on the bed as he massaged his temples in irritation.

I hesitated. "What's wrong?"

Just then, his head shot up to stare intensely at me.

My heart raced even faster. Not in a romantic way, though.

It was because of fear. Had Kurama learned about what happened two nights ago? Is he angry that I didn't tell him right away?

This is the one thing I've been most afraid of—how Kurama would react towards me. I fear that he might hate me. Because I've exposed his secret and put both of us in the pedestal. Because I got him worried for something he should be angry at. Because I didn't confess this slip-up as soon as possible. But I try, I really try to speak up, but -

"Why does Yomi always have to give me a hard time?" he frowned slightly. But looks can be deceiving; he must be fuming mad inside. He is known to still look and speak calm despite any situation. "Why does he always have to know things that are off-limits?"

I gulped, hiding my shaking hands behind me. "W-what did he say?"

"He was proposing yet another reckless raid," the fox replied, "somewhere deep in the outskirts of the next town. That castle is heavily guarded, and most importantly, too risky to even spy on. Only a few know about that place. How come he learned about it?" he grunted. "If the others heard about this too, it would cause yet another commotion."

My blood that seemed to have run cold from the tension is now up and running again through my veins again, giving me a warm surge of relief. "So I'm guessing you had another disagreement?"

He nodded. "But no matter what he does, that won't be approved. It's too dangerous. It might cost me some comrades."

I walked over to sit beside him. "Don't worry; I'm sure no one else from your men is as stubborn as Yomi, right?"

Kurama scoffed, "Unless they were offered something favorable for them."

"Really? Has that ever happened before?"

Kurama's eyes softened, his sadness evident in those hazel orbs."I have my suspicions. But I guess it's a given when handling a large group of outlaws." Then he sighed, "Besides, we're thieves. We'd do anything for money."

I placed my head on his shoulder, putting a hand over his balled-up fist. I'm honored to see this side of Kurama that he hides behind his cold-hearted mask. The side of him that gets troubled and frustrated like everybody else as well. But not having someone he could trust enough to open up to is kind of lonely. Looking up, I met his gaze and smiled kindly.

He responded with a smile and yet another sigh. "I'm sorry."

I blinked. "For what?"

"Our wedding will be delayed," he now put his arms around me. "I prepared another raid by the end of this week. Apparently, trading treasures isn't enough."

"Isn't enough… for what?" I asked.

He smirked. "For a grand wedding, what else?"

I giggled. "Well it's not like there are other guests besides your comrades and the maids."

He shook his head. "You know I don't settle for mediocrity."

Smiling, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "It's alright, though. We should take our time."

He stiffened. "No," he shook his head, "this wedding must be done as soon as possible."

"I don't see the need to rush things."

"It will make things official." Kurama then lowered his voice to a murmur, "And would make it safe for me to announce you as a silver kitsune to everyone else."

My mouth hung open. It took me a while before I whispered back,"You mean you're planning to tell them the truth after all?"

"Of course. I couldn't just lock you up in this room forever. The truth has to be revealed."

"But, no hard feelings would be harbored among them, right? As long as you yourself told them, huh?" my voice quivered at the end.

Kurama chuckled. "Yes. I could convince them that easily. So this might be something you're fed up of hearing, but until then, please be careful not to let anyone else know about your real appearance, alright?"

I nodded slowly, hiding my face into his chest as he hugged me. "Sure."

I feel like I'm a traitor. A lying, sneaky, and heartless traitor.

And who am I betraying? The infamous Youko Kurama, resident fox thief in Makai, who despises traitors.

And of all people who would do such a thing, it had to be the girl he calls his fiancée. I feel so awful.

Or maybe I was just exaggerating. Still, I don't understand how whenever I'd try to speak to him about it, I get tongue-tied all of a sudden. And once I finally got a bit of courage to talk, someone or something would interrupt me.

Tonight, I ate dinner with the fox and his men as per request of Kurama. I couldn't refuse, even though , Yomi would undoubtedly be there. So I just resorted to avoiding his stare and that creepy smirk of his as I ate in silence, only talking and smiling when necessary.

After dinner, Kurama had to attend a meeting for the raid at the end of the week. With the meeting being an urgent one, I was left to get back to my bedroom on my own. I tried my best to hurry up so as not to bump into him, but I'm never lucky, am I?

"Hello there, Yana-chan," Yomi's voice came from behind me. Apparently, it's Kuronue's turn to go on the raid as Kurama's assistant, so Yomi's not included in the meeting. Such perfect timing. Ugh.

I kept walking, quickening my pace.

"Oh, so you decided to keep avoiding me, huh?" I heard him follow. "Giving me the silent treatment this time?"

I sighed. He's like a mushroom that keeps on popping up from out of nowhere.

The stubborn and hot-headed guy pulled me back by the arm, forcing me to face him. "You know, it's not polite to ignore someone talking to you," he smiled wryly.

I raised an eyebrow. "It's also impolite to grab people and force them to talk to you. You should also learn to respect others' decision to just keep silent."

He chuckled. "What's with the attitude now?" His free hand took hold of my face to lightly squeeze my cheeks, making them look puffed up. "And this expression… such a hard glare aimed at me. Shouldn't you be, well, begging for me to keep quiet of what I know now?"

I clenched my teeth. "Because you won't dare tell anyone."

Yomi scoffed. "And what are you going to do if I did decide to blab about it? Attack me again with your petty waves? The last one just caught me off-guard, but I doubt you'd make me move from this spot now."

I looked away. Because come to think of it, he's right, considering he's still much stronger than me.

"Oh, what happened to talking big?" Yomi laughed lightly. "If only you were a lowly maid, I'll press charges on you for assaulting and talking back a high officer. Do you think I'll just let you off like that?"

I glanced sideways at him. "You're as proud with yourself as well."

"Oh, so I was right. You were confident just because your Youko's fiancée, aren't you?" He then raised an eyebrow, "If you really are, though."

I clenched my fists. It's not true. I'm plainly acting tough just so I'll get free from him. I remember being told long ago that bullies only prey on the weak. Wait, what did Yomi just say? Seeing him eyeing my sleeve, I kept a poker face on when I did realize what he meant."Let me go."

Yomi shook his head. "I've got something to confirm first." Letting go of my face, his hand draped over my shoulder.

I swatted his hand away. "Why are you so persistent? Is it hard to believe that I'm already his mate?"

He smirked. "Well, considering how he hid your real identity, it's not impossible for him to make us believe that he's already marked you as his mate." Yomi then reached over towards my shoulder. "Because no one would go after you if they were made to think you're already a mate of someone else, even if you come out of your room as a -"

Yomi got interrupted as he was pushed away, but in return he started twisting my wrist. I yelped in pain, and at the same time, sent a wave to hit him smack on the face. Yomi accidentally let go of my arm as he coughed up water. But no sooner did he recover.

And so another chase ensued.

My bedroom was just down the hallway, so I did a mad dash for it. But I highly advise to avoid participating in a race with a thief. Aside from stealth, a thief is known for another skill: speed. And they get better at this skill as years of practicing pass by.

And Yomi, whose age I don't know—but most likely somehow close to Kurama's—has been a thief for as long as anyone could remember. And being Youko Kurama's second-in-command, it'd be a real shame if I would outrun him.

So just when I was about to grasp the doorknob, Yomi managed to grab me by the hair. His hand covered my mouth to muffle my scream. "You never fail to surprise me," he whispered into my ear before pinning me against the wall.

"Just what is it that you want, Yomi?" I panted, watching as he looked me over up and down.

I struggled to get free, but Yomi pressed his thigh between my legs as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Come on, why won't you be submissive to me even for just once?" Slowly, he started to pull my sleeves down. "So far, I haven't had any trouble with getting Youko's women to be mine," he pressed his forehead against mine, "until you came along."

I stood frozen. With Yomi this close, and at the position we are in, I couldn't help but get more terrified, leaving my arms and legs too stiff to move. Alas, both sleeves were pulled down, revealing my mark-free shoulders. I could only close my eyes, holding back the tears. Tears of anger and irritation.

I was angry with myself. I was such a fool. I couldn't believe I let Yomi in on our secret.

"I knew it," he breathed. "Now look at me, Yana."

I opened my eyes to see him grinning widely at me. I was unable to speak, much less glare at him anymore.

"So what do we do now?" he asked, in a mocking tone. "Seems like Youko lied to us. Big-time. I thought he cared so much for his comrades. But why deceive us?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, this will be interesting."

I gasped. "Y-you won't... you won't harm Kurama. I won't let you!"

But Yomi didn't seem like he heard me, though. He was staring off into space. "But then, my efforts weren't in vain at all," he said.

"Your efforts?" I repeated, calling Yomi's attention."What… do you mean?"

"Oh, right. Since you were so generous as to let me know what Kurama hides from us, I'd let you in on my own secret." Smirking, Yomi proceeded to whisper something in my ear.

My eyes widened as he finished. "You… you…"

"Sshh," he put a finger to my lips. "Better keep quiet, my dear Yana."

"But... why?"

"Let's just say I don't like being ordered around. I don't like being second-in-command. Or to be more specific, third-in-command. That bat just had to be more favored. And actually," he raised an eyebrow at me, "I don't really like you either. It just seemed like Youko's so serious with you that I figured taking you away from him would be fun." His hands wrapped around my waist as he pulled me closer. "But on second thought, the fox still haven't touched you, hasn't he?"

"Y-Yomi…" I squeaked as I tried to push him away, but to no success. My knees, followed by the rest of my body, shook in terror as he laughed.

"Ah yes, this is the expression I'm looking for," he grinned. "You look so helpless now, you know that?" He then moved to give me quick pecks on my neck.

I squirmed in his tight grasp. "Please... stop..."

And Yomi did. Grunting, he let me go. "You're still one hell of a lucky fox," he muttered, opening my bedroom door for me. "Now remember what I told you, Yana-chan~" he cooed. Yomi then immediately disappeared down the hallway.

It didn't take long for me to know why Yomi took off. From the opposite direction that he took, footsteps could be heard. I didn't have to see its owner to know who it is.

Entering my bedroom, I went straight to the bath. I slid down the bathroom door, tears streaming down my cheeks as I heard Kurama come in the room and call my name. "Yana?"

What have I done? And what Yomi had just said… I know I should tell Kurama, but then…

"I'm here," I replied. I'm glad the door muffles my voice, so the fox can't easily tell that there's something wrong.

I pulled my knees to my chest. Just outside this door is the person who trusts me the most, who shares his happiness and troubles with me, and most of all, who considers settling down with me as his wife.

But here I am, hiding myself to keep him from knowing I got his biggest secrets out in the open.

And right into the hands of the wrong person.

Ooh, so what do you think of this chapter? Please leave a review!

Again, I'm sorry for leaving you no updates for the whole of July. It's just a very eventful month for me.

But now that it's August, hee hee... I'm planning to get a new chappie posted by the sixteenth (What's so special about that? You'll know soon. *wink wink*), but it's our midterm week by that time. So... maybe a day or two after that? I just want to get an update up at that time. Also, August is my birthday month, and it's a tradition for me to put up a new chapter on my birthday. :D

So there you go with something to look forward to this month!

Again, please review! :D