Eclipsed Hearts: Reawakening in a Realm of Magic

by miyukudo

"Amu and Ikuto, nearly wed, face a fatal accident and awaken in a magical realm. Amu has amnesia, and Ikuto is now an evil demon lord. Amu is engaged to Tadase. In this enchanted kingdom, their past, love, and destiny intertwine amidst magic and mysteries." Amu is 18, ikuto is 20

26. A gamble with the rules

They didn't have to walk far before they arrived at a small oasis town. Thalor and his harpies had likely chosen to drop them off not too far from it on purpose. The group felt uneasy approaching, having heard multiple times that outsiders weren't particularly welcome.

"Let's just send Tadase ahead. With his ears and tail, he fits right in." Nagi grinned and nudged the blond's shoulder with his own.

"Why not send the native?" Tadase raised an eyebrow, eyeing Nagi in confusion.

"That'd be boring," Nagi said, crossing his arms behind his head and sticking out his tongue playfully.

The blond sighed, shaking his head as he stepped forward. The entrance to the city was an ornate gate, flanked on both sides by two male Feralis. His ears twitched nervously, but he approached nonetheless.

However, the two guards immediately crossed their spears, making it clear that entry was not permitted.

"Every tribe struggles with a shortage of women. We do not welcome men from foreign tribes," the right guard's voice rang out. The left one snorted, eyeing Tadase from head to toe. "He's not even a Feralis."

At that remark, the right guard also gave Tadase a closer look, his mouth twisting in displeasure. "We tolerate outsiders even less. Leave."

Just as Tadase was about to say something, a high-pitched squeal came from behind the gate, and a woman came running toward him excitedly—a Feralis woman.

She was beautiful—delicate yet curvy, with long, slightly wavy black hair and eyes that shimmered like amethysts. Her ears and tail were those of a leopard, and her attire resembled that of a belly dancer—understandable, given the heat in the Feralis lands. Instinctively, he took a step back, staring at her in confusion.

"Wow, you look amazing! Completely different from what we have here," she exclaimed. The men behind her immediately felt insulted but merely sighed in frustration.

"Which tribe are you from—" She stepped closer, briefly sniffing at his neck before pulling a face. "Oh, you're not a Feralis… but I don't really care." She giggled, continuing to take in his scent.

Tadase swallowed nervously, trying to create some distance—unsuccessfully. His face gradually turned red, and he regretted his decision to step forward.

Their eyes met for a moment, but soon, other women passing by the gate noticed the scene, and more and more gathered around Tadase.

"Would you be my partner? I'd make you my favorite!" Another girl grinned widely, her fox tail wagging excitedly.

"Fa…vorite..?" Tadase stammered, completely lost in the situation.

"Among the others, of course. I'd give you more attention and love," she smiled, her ears twitching slightly as she gazed at him with her head tilted.

"I… uh… I actually prefer monogamy…" Ironic, coming from him, given his situation with Amu. He sighed internally.

"Hey! I saw him first, back off!" Amalia, the black-haired leopard woman, protested.

From a distance, Amu and the others watched the scene in confusion.

"Why are these women surrounding Tadase?" She glanced at Yoru, hoping for an answer.

He merely shrugged. "I told you, I don't really know much about this tribe, even if it's my own." His ears drooped guiltily, and he sighed at his own uselessness.

"Hey, it's okay! Don't feel bad," Amu nudged one of his ears lightly and smiled before approaching the gate herself. She walked past the overwhelmed Tadase for now, throwing him a judgmental look.

Tadase, however, was practically pleading for help, frustrated that he was being judged when it wasn't even his fault.

Nagi followed, grinning at Tadase. "Well, that's what happens when you're a handsome prince."

But before he knew it, he found himself in the same uncomfortable situation.

Amu crossed her arms briefly at the sight before focusing back on the guards.

"I know you—" She noticed their stance toward her immediately shifting and furrowed her brows slightly. "I know outsiders aren't exactly welcome… but we need to see Ifrit… please." She smiled sweetly and gestured toward Yoru. "We even have one of you as a friend."

The cat boy's ears twitched at her gesture, and he finally stepped forward as well.

"You're even from here…" the right guard murmured, while the other one stared at Amu, clearly lovestruck.

"…Technically. But in reality, my family didn't care enough to look for me… I don't consider this place my home," Yoru said, his tone a mix of bitterness and hurt.

"I'm a little confused as to why your women are surrounding my friends. I thought outsiders weren't welcome?" Amu raised an eyebrow.

"Compared to the size of the city, we have very few women… They live like queens and can do whatever they please. Your friends are attractive—they want to claim them. They don't care if they're from outside, and we have to accept it."

As Amu spoke, more male Feralis began gathering at the entrance, and she quickly realized there were far more beautiful women than men.

"That doesn't exactly sound pleasant."

"Well, what can you do? They ensure our survival. We worship women, and they can have as many partners as they want."

"But if it were the other way around…?" the other guard interjected. "Then a man would spend his life alone."

"A man has to be careful who he submits to," he added.

They had accepted this way of life—it was normal to them. But even so, they were aware that these weren't truly equal relationships.

"Sounds pretty sad if you ask me," Amu remarked, briefly glancing at Yoru and thinking of him and Miki. The people of this tribe were clearly capable of monogamy, even if Yoru's relationship was still in its early stages.

"In the hope that women will no longer be a rarity someday, our women try to bring many children into the world. For this, we cherish them and treat them with utmost care."

"But... having multiple partners doesn't really change that, does it?" Amu didn't fully grasp the reasoning behind it and looked at the men in confusion.

"Our women are not pregnant as long as yours. Besides, this way, no man has to be alone, and everyone gets a chance to have offspring. Without this system, many men would be left without a partner."

"That would indeed be a sad fate…" She decided not to question it further, and in a way, she could understand it a little better now.

At that moment, a male Feralis stepped forward, his presence striking and proud. His snow-white hair, cut in a "wolf cut," gave him a wild and untamed look. The strands fell unevenly over his forehead, framing his angular face. The sharp cut of his hairstyle reinforced the impression that he didn't care for conventions. His eyes, a deep and intense blue, shimmered almost challengingly in the sunlight. His athletic build suggested a great deal of training and self-discipline. He held a deep red rose in his mouth, its vibrant color almost eerie in its intensity.

With an elegant, almost ceremonial kneel before Amu, he offered her the rose as if it were a symbol of reverence. "I would be honored if you found me worthy, fair maiden," he said, his voice laced with respect and a hint of playfulness.

Amu blushed and instinctively took the rose and looked at his ears. He seemed to be a wolf kind. He had the same war form as tadase.

Tadase watched the scene unfold, trying to push his way through the crowd of women, but it was pointless. He clenched his teeth and frowned.

"Hey! Come on, say yes already!" One of the women tugged gently at his sleeve.

"I…" He barely managed to get a word in before Amalia spoke up again. "I don't have anyone yet… I would even accept monogamy for you…" She blushed and shyly tapped her index fingers together.

Tadase swallowed and turned red again. She really was cute, standing there all flustered, and undeniably beautiful too. His gaze darted toward Nagi for help, but he seemed to be enjoying himself, shamelessly flirting with the many Feralis women vying for his attention.

"How am I supposed to choose just one among so many beauties? I guess we'll have to turn your rules around," Nagi grinned and winked playfully at the ladies. He had overheard the conversation between the guards and Amu.

"What? I would never accept another woman at my husband's side!" one of the women retorted immediately.

The purple-haired man gently lifted her chin, locking eyes with her. "Well, sweetheart, then I guess you'll get nothing from Nagi."

She crossed her arms and pouted. Who did he think he was? Especially since she was one of the prettier ones.

Meanwhile, more handsome men had gathered around Amu, all trying to court her and, in true Feralis fashion, willing to share her.

One man, however, bypassed the group and went straight to Amalia.

"I've been trying to win you over for ages, and now you throw yourself at this random guy? He's not even a Feralis—he can't father strong children," he sneered at Tadase.

"He's obviously nicer than you," she retorted, crossing her arms and turning away from him.

Tadase sighed. Now he even got insulted, even though he had done nothing. He was the victim here, not the instigator.

"Can't you smell it, or are you just ignoring it? He already has a partner." The man took a demonstrative sniff at Tadase and wrinkled his nose. He could even tell exactly who it was.

"Of course, I can smell it…" Amalia sighed, momentarily disappointed. "Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

Tadase sighed again. If Ikuto was still alive, he might have actually considered it, but as things stood now, he would ultimately be Amu's sole partner.

Amu had finally managed to free herself from the circle of men and tried to make her way toward Tadase. She barely managed to stretch out an arm in his direction, but he noticed her and reached out, grasping her hand before gently pulling her close and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"So, what about all your admirers?" His tone was mocking, and his gaze was full of amusement. It bothered him that she had even accepted the rose. Who knew what that meant to that guy?

"You should keep quiet! I can see exactly how you're considering running off with her!" She pointed at Amalia.

"What?! That's not true at all!" It was the exact opposite! Why was she saying such nonsense? But as Amu giggled, his tension faded, and he let out a half-smile with a sigh.

Amalia, however, began sniffing Amu. Their behavior was already obvious enough, but the scent confirmed it—it was Amu's scent that clung to Tadase. The way they both smelled like each other so strongly was likely due to the past few nights.

"You're even expecting a child…" she muttered after a short pause. "Then I guess I really can't change your mind…"

Tadase and Amu blinked at each other in confusion.

"That… would only be about a week old at most… How could anyone possibly tell?" Amu shook her head in disbelief.

"A week?" Had she miscalculated that badly? Amalia sniffed Amu again, especially around her stomach, which made Amu a little uncomfortable, but she tolerated it.

"Four months… Shouldn't you know this best yourself?" She wrinkled her nose at Amu's ignorance.

"That's impossible. About four months ago, Aruto was born," Tadase shook his head, raising his hands. "How would you even know that? Are you trying to mess with us?"

"I would never do that!" She immediately held back the Feralis man next to her, who clearly disliked Tadase's accusation against his beloved.

"In our culture, childbirth—and as many of them as possible—is the highest priority. Over time, we developed this special sense of smell for it. Maybe a whim or a blessing from Ifrit or other nature spirits," she shrugged.

"I have no symptoms at all; that can't be. No offense, but you must be mistaken."

Amalia pursed her lips and furrowed her brows.

"There is no doubt. You are pregnant, and he is the father," she pointed at Tadase before turning away in annoyance and walking off.

Nagi, who had only caught part of the conversation, finally slipped free from the group of women and joined his friends.

"Sounds like your week was more productive than intended, huh?"

"Four months, according to her… which isn't even possible," Tadase replied, still baffled by Amalia's conviction.

"Well... maybe... the day before our wedding," Amu murmured quietly.

Tadase rubbed the space between his eyes and sighed heavily. "The missing symptoms?"

Suddenly, a small water whirlpool appeared as Undine materialized. "The remedies she took and the magic she applied to herself worked preventively. However, her cycle didn't come. This was probably ignored or overlooked due to all the stress," the water spirit explained. After all, she knew everything that happened in Amu's body. "The girl speaks the truth. Amu has been pregnant since I first knew her."

Silence settled in. An oppressive silence for a few minutes, as Amu rested her hand on her stomach. "I... I'm sorry... I shouldn't have given in," Tadase was the first to break the silence.

"Ah, Amu, always forcing herself," Nagi grinned and gently nudged her shoulder, trying to lighten the mood.

"Shut up..." Her voice wasn't angry, more gentle, as she briefly glanced at the ring on her hand and sighed. "This is just such a bad time... we need to hurry and save the world..." She laughed a little and helplessly scratched her head.

"The last pregnancy almost cost you your life... I... I don't want you to be pregnant," he shook his head and looked helplessly at Undine, hoping she could do something.

She took his hand and stepped in front of him, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "It will be fine. I've become stronger, and we have more allies now. We will be a family," she smiled softly and leaned her head against his chest.

Yoru, who had silently observed the chaos, sighed and looked up at the sky. In this situation, it was probably a good thing that his friend was no longer with them. He also had previously been surrounded by several girls who wanted him for themselves, but he had made his position clear quickly. He wanted nothing to do with this silly flirting and also thought Nagi's behavior was not entirely right.

"It shouldn't be this way... you should be by Ikuto's side... If... if he were still here, this would be just awful," he placed a hand on her head, clearly unsettled by the situation.

"But he's not here anymore... stop torturing yourself with what-ifs," she lifted her head and looked at him sadly. "Besides, this happened when he hadn't contacted me for months. He would never judge us for this."

"Calm down and don't think too much about it, okay?" The lavender-haired one sighed at the mood and ruffled both their hair briefly before turning away from the group and walking off. Amu watched him leave with concern, then refocused on Tadase. "So, what do you wish for, a boy or a girl?" She gently nudged his nose and smiled.

"A girl..."

"Really? I won't hold it against you if you want a boy," back then, most men surely preferred a boy.

"I don't need to be a king. Why would I need a boy who should only serve as a successor? A girl coming after you would be sweet," his gaze was fixed on the ground.

Amu smiled but shook her head. "Now that Ikuto..." she paused, still unable to talk about it. "You have to become king..."

Tadase grimaced. He didn't want that. He didn't want to take Ikuto's place, and he quickly found a solution. "Only until Aruto is old enough. He's the rightful successor."

"How are you going to explain to your son that he has to take your place so soon without telling him he's not your real son?" She knew she was asking a lot from Tadase, but she wanted to keep the fact that Aruto no longer had a biological father hidden from him, if possible.

"As you wish..." Would he really be able to raise Aruto as his own son, especially now, that he would have his own child with Amu? He had to. The boy couldn't help his fate. He would love him just as much as his own biological child—he made that resolve right then and there.

"What is Nagi up to now?" He rolled his eyes, hoping he wasn't doing anything foolish.

Nagi waited, somewhat secluded on a rock, gazing at the valley that stretched before him. It was mostly desert and stones, but the view with the sinking sun was beautiful.

A girl sat down beside him and also looked towards the sunset. Her fluffy fox tail swayed gently back and forth as her ears stood erect.

She had long, silky hair that matched her fox ears and large, fluffy tail—white. Her violet eyes radiated a mysterious yet playful aura.

Her outfit consisted of a decorated, form-fitting top and a light, somewhat see-through skirt with several layers of fabric that moved elegantly as she moved. The embroidery and golden accessories accentuated her grace, giving her a noble appearance.

"Why do you want to talk to me?"

"You seem the most sensible and like someone one could talk to. I'm honestly surprised I was ambushed like this," he paused briefly and sighed at the thought. "We were always told that you're unfriendly to outsiders, and then this..."

She listened to him and blinked a few times. "Well… usually, that's true… but as you've probably already seen, we only have a few men who are truly good-looking, and the ones who are usually have the character of a trash can," she smiled a little sheepishly at this statement and sighed. "So when someone comes to us looking like you, we'd obviously like to win him for ourselves."

"Ah... I wouldn't call myself super attractive..." He scratched his neck awkwardly. "How come you and... Amalia?" He had overheard the name and didn't even know hers. "...Are still alone?"

"For us, character is important... but since we're considered the most beautiful in the tribe, everyone obviously wants to win us over. It's hard to find out the true character," she played with a strand of her hair and twirled it around her finger.

"I see... but why me? Who says I have a good character?"

"Everyone in your group has a strong aura... it almost automatically attracts us and feels positive. I'm pretty sure you're a good person," she explained calmly while continuing to gaze at the valley before her.

"You know... I'm a bad choice. I don't have much time, and my heart already belongs to someone."

"Not much time...?" Her voice sounded sad and incredulous. Was he just rejecting her with such a strange excuse?

Nagi explained that his magic worked differently from others and that it consumed his life force. He also told her about the bracelet, showed it to her, and tried to demonstrate how he couldn't use magic, which, of course, was difficult since he could also just be pretending. However, she believed him, as evidenced by her pitying look.

"I'd still like to spend time with you... this girl... she already has the other..." She knew exactly who he meant—the pink-haired girl from earlier.

"It's... complicated..." He smiled and sighed at the same time. He hadn't expected to have to use these words ever.

"You should choose someone for whom you are the only one..." Her gaze was fixed on him.

"A Feralis is probably not the right choice for that," he raised an eyebrow and met her gaze.

"I wouldn't accept anyone else by my side, if you want that," her voice was sincere, and there was no doubt in it.

"I can't just change my feelings," he smiled helplessly and looked ahead again. "I want to spend my remaining time with her."

The fox girl sighed heavily and also looked ahead. "And why did you call me here just to reject me?"

"I wanted to ask for your help and also assure you that my rejection isn't because of you."

"Help with what?"

"We need to get to Ifrit. As far as we know, the cave is within your city. Also, it's getting late, we'll need shelter..." He didn't feel comfortable asking her for a favor, especially after rejecting her, but he didn't know how else they would get to the city.

"Ask your cat friend. He's from here," she shrugged and let her legs swing a little in the air.

"He doesn't have a home here. His family abandoned him, and he hasn't been here since he was small... I understand if you don't want to help us," he was about to stand up when she held him back by the hand.

"Then you must at least belong to me during the time I take you in..." She looked away, avoiding his gaze.

"I..." He was about to say that he couldn't do that when she interrupted him.

"Don't worry, I don't expect anything bad from you... but if we're not even close, it would be noticeable. I can only take you in by saying I want you as my partner and that we're trying." She played with a strand of her hair again.

"Isn't there any other way?" He studied her carefully, as he was sure she was trying to use the situation to her advantage.

She rolled her eyes and stood up. "If you think logically about it, you should realize that I can't justify this any other way."

"Wait! Alright..." He sighed and glanced down briefly. "Before we do anything, I need to inform Amu..."

"Fine by me," she shrugged and offered him her hand to help him up. He took it and looked her in the eyes for a moment as they stood facing each other. She seemed sincere, and in a way, it did make sense.

Another sigh left his lips before he let go of her hand to return to the others. She followed him, walking slightly behind him.

"You both still seem so down," he raised his arms and smiled a little. "Maybe now you'll finally get the son you've been working so hard for." The lilac-haired one hadn't thought about his words before and didn't mean them badly, but realized his mistake when Tadase turned away with a hurt expression and clenched his fists. "We're hoping for a girl," Amu smiled softly and took one of Tadase's hands in hers.

"Really? You both?" Nagi asked, just as surprised as Amu, because usually, people hoped for a boy, especially since men were often seen as more valuable. Amu nodded and wrapped her arms around Tadase's arm, pressing closer to him. She wanted to pull him out of his guilt. "Especially him."

"Well, with you as a mother, any father would probably wish for a daughter," Nagi laughed, then struck a thoughtful pose. "Although, of course, you'd have to constantly worry. Men can be awful."

"She'll be safe in the palace," Amu's voice sounded convinced.

"Someone's confident about winning this war," Nagi raised an eyebrow but grinned.

"I'll give it everything I've got. I believe in us. We'll make it," her gaze finally drifted to the white-haired woman, who was standing silently behind Nagi.

"I didn't want to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I also didn't want to interrupt. Forgive me. My name is Nisha."

Nagi turned to look at her as well. So, her name was Nisha. He liked the name.

"Well... as you probably already know, we can't just enter the city easily," he tried to find the right words, but he was visibly struggling, feeling uncomfortable and wishing for a different solution. "When I was gone, I talked to Nisha. If we pretend I might consider being her partner, she can take us with her."

Amu swallowed and furrowed her brow. "And what exactly does that mean?" The feeling that spread inside her was unfamiliar. She looked at Nisha more closely. She was beautiful. Much more beautiful than she herself was, at least that's how Amu felt. Was it jealousy? The three of them only had eyes for her; they'd never even looked at another woman, so she hadn't had to think about it before. Even in her old world, there had been no reason to feel jealous. She didn't like the feeling and realized that Ikuto, Nagi, and Tadase must have been enduring it the whole time. She sighed. Nisha stepped forward and stood next to Nagi.

"Whatever you two have going on needs to pause, and I should at least be allowed to hug him and hold his hand. Also, we should kiss from time to time, or it will quickly be doubted whether we're really trying to figure out if we want to be together." Her ears were slightly perked as she observed Amu's reaction, clearly noticing that she didn't like it, even though Amu tried hard not to show it.

"Whatever we have...?" Although Nisha's voice sounded polite and calm, Amu could clearly feel the disdain and belittlement in the statement. She sighed and looked at Nagi, who communicated with his gaze that he was sorry, but he didn't know any other solution. As they stood there side by side, Amu realized that they might actually make a good match. For him, it would probably be better if he developed feelings for Nisha. Still, she couldn't resist commenting on her remark.

"I don't think you're in a position to belittle our situation, given your culture. In fact, it should seem completely normal to you," she said. She was a woman with two men, and compared to the Feralis, that was actually harmless.

"Only that you're not Feralis, it's unusual in your culture, and he probably doesn't get much attention from you." Her gaze briefly shifted to Nagi before returning to Amu. While Tadase barely had a scent of his own anymore, now smelling almost entirely of Amu, Nagi hardly carried any scent of her at all.

Nagi sighed. "Listen, you don't know anything about us. You don't know our circumstances or our history, so stop judging. The situation with the two of them is for an important reason that I would never stand in the way of." The hostility between the two women was palpable. "If you keep treating Amu this way, I won't consider your suggestion."

"I... could maybe find someone else to do the same..." Tadase murmured quietly. He was still hurt by Nagi's earlier words, overwhelmed by Amu's pregnancy, and found the whole situation strange and difficult.

"Alright... I'll stop..." Nisha crossed her arms and looked away somewhat irritated. "By the way, Amalia has more pride than I do. I wouldn't bet on her going along with this." She threw a glance at Tadase from the corner of her eye. Feralis had excellent hearing due to their animalistic traits, and she had noticed how interested Amalia was in him.

"I'm Nagi, but you can call me Nagi. This is Amu and Tadase. And over there is Yoru," he gestured to a figure leaning against a mountain in the distance. Yoru had left when Nagi went to give the two of them some time alone and had no interest in getting closer when Nisha and the lilac-haired one returned. He heard everything, though.

"We hadn't properly introduced ourselves yet."

Nisha nodded but said nothing further.

She then wrapped her arm around Nagi's and headed toward the city. Amu sighed at the sight and pursed her lips but followed them along with Tadase and Yoru.

Nisha explained to the guards that she and Nagi were trying to become a couple and that, of course, his friends were welcome to join her. The guards exchanged disapproving glances and eyed Nagi, but no matter how much they wanted to criticize him, he looked good, especially by her side. They sighed and let the group pass.

When they arrived at her house, Nisha grinned slightly mischievously. "The couch is good for two, and I have a chaise, but Nagi will probably have to sleep with me," she shrugged and raised her arms slightly.

"I can make myself comfortable on the floor," he waved his hands, trying to avoid the situation.

"That goes completely against my principles. If I have guests, I'm not going to let them sleep on the floor. Plus, this way, we'll pick up each other's scent faster, which will make our little act much more believable," she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. The young man immediately recognized that she was insisting, and there was no way out. He sighed and glanced at Amu, who looked anything but pleased.

"We only sleep in one bed... no more, okay?" He gently stroked Amu's head and smiled at her softly, but then shot Nisha a serious look that clearly indicated nothing beyond that would happen.

"She's going to throw herself at you..." Amu rolled her eyes but took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She didn't want to engage with Nisha's teasing and provocations. "It'll probably only end up with some cuddling... we'll just try to find Ifrit quickly," she smiled gently at Nagi and placed a hand on his cheek.

"Unless you change your mind. You could probably have a better relationship with her by your side. It'd be fine as long as you're happy."

The purple haired one shook his head and looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "Definitely not, you fool," he ruffled her hair and then walked over to Nisha. "It's late. Let's learn more about Ifrit tomorrow," he said, finally heading upstairs with the white-haired woman.

As soon as they were gone, a strong wind swept through the room, and soon after, a very familiar giggle could be heard.

"I was wondering where you had gone off to..." Amu sighed. She really wasn't in the mood for Sylph.

"I got carried away by the wind and lost track of time, but don't think I haven't been paying attention," Sylph grinned cheekily, floating half on her back in front of Amu in the air.

"With you, it's never boring," she added, referring to the pregnancy news and Nagi's 'sacrifice.'

"You already knew about that one, don't act like you didn't," the pink-haired one rolled her eyes.

"Of course," Sylph stuck her tongue out playfully and grinned. "Should I tell you what it's going to be?"

"No..." Amu placed her hand on her belly. She wanted to just let it unfold naturally.

"Aww, shame. I would love to," Sylph spun around in the air and landed lightly on the floor. "Maybe Nagi will find his happiness with a Feralis lady."

"Why do you want to hurt me on purpose...?" Amu buried her face in her hands and leaned on her knees. Tadase shot a mean look at the elemental spirit and placed an arm around Amu.

"Oh come on, you know I'm just joking, and Nagi would never give you up. I'm curious to see how convincingly he'll play this relationship." She thoughtfully placed a finger on her chin while looking up.

"He doesn't do things halfway, so probably well..." Amu muttered, annoyed at the thought. She probably should keep herself together and not express her frustration outwardly, as that could also raise doubts.

"Is she always like this?" Yoru was sitting on the chaise where he would sleep and gave Sylph an appraising look from top to bottom. "Do elemental spirits not learn tact?"

"Pfft!" Sylph crossed her arms. "You're all so stiff and serious, someone has to keep things light. Be glad Undine isn't reprimanding you for that statement." Undine would never make such tactless comments, but even Sylph only did it to keep the mood light.

Amu absentmindedly looked at her belly and gently stroked it up and down. She was worried something might be wrong with the baby, because her belly was still so flat. With Aruto, her belly had already changed by the fourth month.

"What's wrong?" Tadase's head rested on her shoulder as he whispered softly. Of course, he had noticed her concerned expression.

She sighed and shared her worries with him.

"It's probably fine. Every pregnancy is different," he smiled softly, trying to comfort her, but in reality, it only scared him more. He was already afraid for Amu because of the last time, and if things were turning out differently now, it only added to his worries.

"Let's sleep, and tomorrow things will look better," he said, glancing at Sylph, who raised her arms and disappeared.

Tadase took Amu's hand to help her get up from the couch, so he could rearrange it to fit both of them. Yoru made himself comfortable on the chaise in the meantime.

Amu and Tadase lay on their sides, him behind her with one arm draped over her and resting on her belly. She pressed herself into his embrace, and both of them quickly fell asleep in that position.

Nagi, on the other hand, had a less pleasant night and spent most of it trying to escape Nisha's clutches. She often rested her head on his chest or arm, clutching him. To her defense, she did this in her sleep, so it wasn't intentional. Eventually, he gave up and accepted it just to get some sleep. Besides, Amu had already accepted it and labeled it as relatively harmless.

The sun and heat woke him up in the morning, as the white-haired woman still slept peacefully beside him, facing him. He watched her quietly and had to admit that she was really beautiful, even cute when she was sleeping.

As she gradually opened her eyes, she blushed when she saw Nagi in front of her and realized he had been watching her. She sat up and looked away shyly, after all, it was the first time she had shared a bed with a man.

"Your clothes are too warm... I often bought clothes for men that I liked, which I would have given to my partners if I had ever gotten involved with someone," she stood up and went to the wardrobe to rummage through some clothes, then handed them to Nagi and turned around so he could change. He blinked at her, confused, but then changed into the clothes because his current ones were really too warm. He couldn't believe it, but the local clothes were actually cooler and airier even though they had several layers.

The top was sleeveless, with a deep V-neck, and was designed in elegant beige, green, and purple tones. Golden and bronze embellishments ran through the fabric, intricately embroidered with fine details, giving the entire piece an opulent touch. The waist was accentuated by a wide, richly decorated belt, with a large orange gemstone as its centerpiece.

The skirt underneath flowed in multiple layers of soft fabric, in warm colors like orange, brown, and purple. The lightweight materials swayed with every movement, while delicate patterns and jewelry elements contributed to a luxurious appearance. He also wore striking necklaces with red and purple gemstones, along with delicate bracelets and bangles that gently chimed with every movement, completing the look.

The entire ensemble radiated a mix of timeless grace and imaginative richness—a style that captured attention while holding a deeper story within.

After some time, Nisha turned around and blushed again. "It looks incredible on you, as if it were made just for you."

"A bit extravagant…" he murmured, turning slightly and looking down at himself. "This must be terribly expensive," his gaze quickly swept around the room, and it became clear that Nisha wasn't lacking in wealth. "Expensive doesn't suit me, considering my background" he scratched his head.

"You can always wear your old clothes; I just wanted to help," she approached him until she was standing right in front of him and ran her index finger across his bare chest.

"No, you're right, thank you," he looked somewhat embarrassed and turned his gaze to the side.

"We can go to the market and get something for your friends too."

"That would be nice," he smiled and nodded.

Downstairs, Nagi was immediately greeted by confused looks. The others were also awake, and his clothes immediately drew attention. He explained how it came to be and that they would also get clothes for them.

"That looks incredible on you," Amu assessed him carefully and smiled. She wanted to get closer and wrap her arms around his neck but remembered she couldn't, sighing instead. "You could almost be from here, if it weren't for the ears and tail missing," as she said this, her gaze wandered to Tadase's ears, and she grinned as she touched them.

"Amu…" He blushed automatically, his voice sounding almost whiny.

"Even though they aren't real, they probably behave like ours," Nisha remarked as she observed the two. "It will eventually become less intense, but they will always remain a sensitive area."

"I hope they disappear soon…" the blonde murmured, breathing heavily.

"Is that so?" Nagi chimed in with a grin and gently pinched one of her fox ears between his thumb and index finger.

The white-haired girl felt her heart race, and her body grew warmer. "With a partner... who does this often, it gets less... not just like that…" she turned a bit under his hand, causing him to stop. "Ah, sorry," he awkwardly scratched his neck.

"I'll get breakfast for you," she left the room and went into the kitchen, where she took a few deep breaths behind the closed door to calm herself.

Amu gave Nagi a reproachful look in the meantime. "Your opinion sure changed quickly."

He waved his hands and tried to fend off the accusations. "I thought she was used to it and that it wouldn't bother her as much!"

"Still, it's a sensitive area…" she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, okay, sorry," he pulled her closer and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead.

"Don't… the windows are large…" she sighed, glancing toward the windows. People passing by could probably see them.

He nodded silently and sighed.

Finally, Nisha returned with a tray full of dishes, cutlery, and food. She laid everything out, and the group began to eat. True to her word, they made their way to the market afterward.

Nisha quickly found an outfit she wanted to buy for Amu. Since they had their own currency, she had to pay, so she insisted on choosing it. Amu wasn't exactly thrilled about this fact, especially since Nisha didn't particularly like her. The white-haired girl grabbed the clothes with one hand and Amu's wrist with the other, pulling her into a tent meant for changing. She helped the pink-haired girl into the outfit.

Outside, there was a large mirror where Amu could now examine herself, and to her surprise, the clothes looked really beautiful.

She wore a lovely pink, crop-top outfit that perfectly showcased her elegant figure. The top was made from lightly shimmering, delicate fabric in a soft pink tone, ending just below her bust. The golden embroidery that adorned the top looked almost like intricate vines flowing across the fabric. Around her neck, she wore a fine, golden chain with a pendant shaped like a small symbol. The straps of the top were delicate, adorned with tiny golden details that added a touch of luxury to the outfit. A narrow, golden belt accentuated her waist, giving the look a refined touch, while small gemstones in various pink and red tones sparkled on it.

The skirt was layered and made from light, almost translucent fabric, starting in a soft pink at the top and gradually transitioning into a more intense pink at the bottom. The individual fabric layers fell loosely and fluidly, almost like a gentle waterfall, appearing almost weightless with every movement. On the sides of the skirt, fine golden ribbons ran, artistically tied into bows that glittered as they moved.

Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail that reached the base of her neck. Her bangs remained straight, giving her face a clear, defined structure. The ponytail was held together by a golden band, decorated with subtle pink accents.

She smiled, turning around a few times and even spinning in a circle, causing the skirt to fly out. "Honestly, I didn't think you'd get me such beautiful clothes," she admitted softly.

Nisha tilted her head. "Why not?"

"Well, you don't really like me."

The white-haired girl sighed. "I can't judge that. I don't know you. Am I jealous? Yes. Do I think it's bad that Nagi seems to be the second choice? Yes, but ultimately, it's your business." She paid attention that no one overheard them, shrugged and looked for clothes for Tadase, quickly finding something. She handed it to Amu. "Here, help him."

The pink-haired girl blinked in confusion. "I think he can manage fine on his own."

"Well, then not," Nisha shrugged.

Amu furrowed her brow and gave Tadase the clothes. "I... I'll wait outside... in case you need help?" These words came out hesitantly and questioningly because she found it a bit odd. Nisha just wanted to give them a moment alone, but Amu didn't notice the intention.

Tadase smiled, ruffled her hair, and entered the changing tent. To their surprise, it took a little while before he came back out, which was due to all the accessories. When he finally finished, he sighed in relief and stepped in front of the mirror.

His chest was almost completely exposed, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He wore a black oriental, sleeveless vest with a high collar that folded outward. The vest was adorned with golden silk ribbons, and on both sides, there were golden, round brooches, from which more golden ribbons hung down.

He wore a tight, black choker that was slightly wide and decorated with golden embroidery. Attached to it was a larger golden centerpiece, with black fringes hanging from it. From this piece, several intertwined golden chains extended to the right and left, leading to the edges of his vest.

On his upper arms, there was more black fabric, reminiscent of armor pieces. This was also decorated with intricate golden embroidery, golden pearls, and flowers. Attached to it were black-golden sleeves, which somewhat resembled kimono sleeves. Inside, there were golden floral embroideries, and red ribbons hung from the sides.

His hips were accentuated by a red scarf-like belt, above which there was another golden, metallic belt with buckles, as well as additional golden accessories just below.

Underneath, he wore loose, white trousers made of light, flowing fabric, falling in sharp folds, giving him an elegant grace.

On his wrists, he wore wide bangles, which were gold at the bottom, decorated with black gemstones all around, and black at the top, adorned with golden embellishments.

Amu immediately blushed at the sight of him, but before she could say anything, Nagi's voice rang out. "Under your prince outfit, I always forget how muscular you actually are, even though I know it better than I'd like." He chuckled a little. "It looks good on you."

Amu nodded and placed a hand on his chest. "He's right, you look really good," she murmured softly.

Tadase raised an eyebrow and grinned mischievously. "Oh, so I don't usually look good? I get it."

Nisha, however, looked at Nagi's remark with some confusion and irritation. "Better than you'd like?" Did she really want to know what that meant? Nagi, on the other hand, turned red, looked away shyly, and waved it off.

The pink-haired girl crossed her arms and pouted. "You always look good, stop twisting my words."

"She's right. More self-confidence wouldn't hurt you," Nisha casually agreed while eyeing Tadase. However, this triggered alarm bells in Amu, who turned Tadase and kissed him to cover him up.

The fox girl chuckled softly with her hand held in front of her mouth. "Quite jealous, aren't we?" She continued searching for clothes for Yoru and gave them to him afterward. While he changed, a male voice sounded in front of Nisha.

"Nisha, who are you trying to fool? Do you really think anyone here buys your attempt to sneak in this outsider? The interest is, at most, one-sided." He rolled his eyes and stood with his arms crossed in front of her. He was one of the better-looking Feralis men, and Amu, who had started to pull away from Tadase, could slowly recognize that most of the better-looking men here knew it and their character suffered because of it.

Before she could respond, she felt an arm around her waist. "One-sided...?" She felt several gentle kisses placed on her shoulder, which then moved up to her neck. "Nisha..." he whispered, pausing briefly between kisses. "Do you not like me anymore?" With that, Nagi implied that at least from his side, there was interest.

The white-haired girl blushed deeply, and her heart raced incredibly fast in her chest. "I-I…" She barely managed to get a word out. "o-of… course I like you…"

Nagi gently but firmly took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned her face toward him. She nervously swallowed at the sudden closeness. His orange eyes were soft, and his smile gentle before he pressed his lips to hers. By now, the redness had spread all the way to her ears.

The lilac-haired boy broke the kiss and stroked his thumb over his lips while grinning charmingly. Finally, he looked seriously at the Feralis man. "I don't know what's one-sided about this, but in the future, don't talk to my girl like that. By the way, she promised me monogamy, so you better stay away from her at all."

The Feralis man sneered and shook his head. "Monogamy? How amusing. Tell me, Nisha, are you now trampling on our culture just to bring this outsider in? Or do you really intend to stick to such an absurd rule?" His green eyes sparkled with amusement. "You know this won't work. Eventually, he'll be gone, and you'll end up looking like a fool who went against her own nature."

Nisha felt her throat tighten. Her fingers unconsciously clenched into the fabric of her clothes. Of course, she knew that monogamy was unusual among the Feralis—more likely ridiculed than admired. But what Nagi had just said... it hadn't been a lie. Not for her. If he truly wanted to be her partner, then she would only choose him.

But could she admit that now? In front of all these eyes, in front of that mocking gaze?

Before she could say anything, Nagi chuckled softly. His grip on her waist tightened, and his thumb gently stroked her side. "Well, I have to disappoint you," he said with a challenging smile. "Nisha has made her choice—and freely, too. Or do you doubt her honesty?"

He leaned in closer to her, his breath grazing her ear. "Or is that really what bothers you? That she prefers someone like me over one of you?"

The Feralis man glared at him angrily for a moment but then snorted dismissively. "Believe what you want. But Nisha—you'll see where this leads."

With those words, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

As soon as he was out of sight, Nisha finally let out the breath she had unknowingly been holding. Her heart was still pounding far too quickly, and she wasn't sure whether it was from the tense situation or Nagi's sudden closeness.

"That was… risky," she murmured quietly.

Nagi just grinned, slowly releasing her but letting his fingers linger on her waist for a moment longer. "Maybe. But it worked, didn't it?"

Amu, who had been observing the whole thing with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "You're enjoying this way too much, aren't you?" She scrunched her face slightly and sighed. She didn't like this sight and wanted to get away from here as soon as possible so she wouldn't have to endure this drama any longer.

"I don't know what you're talking about." His grin widened as he looked at Nisha. "I'm just a loving, loyal partner protecting his girlfriend."

Nisha felt her face turn hot again. She wanted to say something, but her gaze got caught in his warm orange eyes. After a few moments, in which she could gather herself, she cleared her throat quietly and looked at Amu. "You and Tadase are happy and a lovely couple... Won't you let me have Nagi?" she smiled somewhat shyly, her voice low enough so that not the wrong ears caught her words.

Amu tilted her head and blinked at her silently at first. "Nagi is not an object. He needs to know that himself..." She briefly glanced at the lilac-haired boy before turning back to Nisha. "Ultimately, I want him to be happy. If he's happier by your side, then so be it, but it's not for me to decide."

Nagi and Tadase exchanged surprised glances. In the past, Amu often took it upon herself to decide what was best for the two of them, but it seemed that, at least in this regard, she had finally improved.

"You're doing okay, right, Amu?" Nagi grinned mischievously.

"Idiot..." she rolled her eyes and smiled a little. "Don't try to avoid answering."

He sighed and looked around. There were too many people around who could overhear. "Nisha already got my answer last night on the hill." He thought this statement was vague enough that no one could use it against him, but still sufficient to give Nisha an answer she would understand.

Amu, however, couldn't make sense of it. When last night? When they went up together? Had Nagi really fallen in love with her that quickly? She nervously twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers, which Tadase noticed.

He hugged her from behind and placed his head at the level of her ear. "You know him well enough, don't you?" He spoke so quietly that she could only understand him because his mouth was directly near her ear.

She let go of the strand and the nervousness slowly faded. She nodded silently.

"I still won't give up that easily..." Her voice was unsure, but there was determination in it.

"Give up? On what?" Nagi pulled her closer and moved towards her ear. "There are too many people here, we need to choose our words carefully, or we'll be found out immediately." He whispered softly, which made Amu uncomfortable again, as she imagined all sorts of things he could tell her.

Nisha sighed. She had been careless; he was right. "Well... that the attempt will turn into a lasting relationship, what else?" She smiled and tapped his nose with her finger.

All of this happened in just a few moments. Yoru now stepped out of the changing room.
He wore an elegant, oriental-inspired outfit with a touch of exoticism and elegance. His open, dark blue jacket with golden embroidery and embellishments accentuated his athletic physique, revealing his muscular sleeves were long and decorated with golden borders and fine chain details.

Under the jacket, he wore a loosely falling white shirt with a deep neckline that clung to his body in gentle folds. Around his waist was a broad, multi-layered belt made of red, green, and golden embroidered fabric, intricately tied.

As an accessory, he wore an elegant pearl necklace with a blue gemstone pendant that shimmered in the warm light.

"one can clearly tell you're from here. The clothes suit you really well, much better than your previous ones." Nisha remarked as she examined the clothes on him. "You'd also count among the more handsome ones here."

"If you say so..." Yoru scratched his head a little helplessly. He just wanted to go home.

"Hey! Don't flirt with others!" Nagi grinned as he stood between the two.

"I wasn't flirting!" Nisha crossed her arms and pouted.

"Do you think they'll be more accepted if you put them in our clothes?" Tadase knew that voice and sighed instinctively.

"They're my guests. I won't let my guests suffer in our heat." Nisha shrugged. The black-haired girl sighed and looked at Tadase, who immediately held Amu tighter.

"Are you trying to make my life harder now, Amalia?" If this kept going, she'd just lock herself in her house. She really didn't feel like dealing with these conflicts.

"Hmm? No?" She shook her head. "I just find it fascinating how different the two are. He practically clings to her and would never give up on her, while you could easily change the other's mind?" She looked from Tadase to Nagi as she spoke.

The white-haired girl barely bit her lower lip. So she had her sights on her, after all? They were supposed to be friends.

"I just didn't want to be the sidekick anymore, especially now that the two are expecting a child." Nagi studied Amalia carefully but couldn't detect any ill intentions from her.

"Seems like Nisha has more luck than me..." She looked at Tadase and paused for a moment with her gaze there. "But I'm happy for you." Her smile was gentle and sincere, but her eyes spoke of the disappointment she felt because of Tadase.

/Would've been nice.../ thought the fox and made a slight grimace. She wanted to tell her friend the truth but didn't want to take any risks, so she decided to stay silent.

"Remember the big bonfire tonight." She played with a strand of her hair and still glanced out of the corner of her eye at Tadase, even though she was talking to Nisha.

The white-haired girl thought for a moment, then shook her head. "They won't be welcome, but I won't just leave them alone in my house."

"At most just the two of them." She referred to Amu and Tadase, explaining that Nagi, as her partner, was quite justified, and Yoru was one of them. "But since when do you care about what others think? Just take them along."

"Bonfire?" Nagi asked, puzzled.

"Once a year, there's a huge bonfire. With the help of gemstones and metals found around Ifrit's cave, we can make the fire change colors and it also throws some nice sparks. However, the stones are only rarely outside, as they're mostly inside, so we can only have such a bonfire once a year. There's also a lot of food and drinks, and it's generally a relaxed, social evening." Nisha explained calmly.

"You really have no choice, Nisha. You have to come." Amalia raised her arms and tilted her head slightly.

The fox sighed and grimaced. "Yeah... I know..."

"Because...?" Amu was annoyed that they had to pull everything out of them, and they never told anything on their own.

"You'll see tonight." Amalia smiled a little mischievously. "See you later." With those words, the leopard girl walked away.

Nagi looked around a bit and noticed how more and more people were gathering and casting skeptical glances their way. He sighed. What more could he do than what he had already done? Probably, enough people had to see it for the word to spread, which is why he grabbed Nisha's wrist and pulled her closer before wrapping an arm around her waist. "You could take us to Ifrit's cave already." He smiled charmingly.

This approach at least made some of the onlookers disperse. Nisha nodded silently, trying to keep her heart under control, and eventually started walking.

As they walked through the town, women came to the men one by one, trying to win them over. But both Amu and Nisha were quite possessive in those moments, and Yoru gave such dark looks to the women who tried, that they disappeared on their own.

Amu, on the other hand, was left alone, probably because Tadase looked a bit more intimidating in his new clothes and kept her close to him.

"Here. But it's sealed. No one knows how to get inside. We Feralis don't really care about it, so hardly anyone has tried."

They stood at the edge of a small slope that slanted downward. The cave seemed to lead into the earth. Its entrance was large and radiated an imposing aura.

Amu descended and carefully stretched out her hand toward the entrance. But she didn't get far. It felt as if something invisible was blocking her, her palm resting in midair as if touching glass.

She let her hand glide over the unseen barrier again. A slight tingling sensation spread across her skin—as if the barrier was reacting to her touch. But it wasn't just resistance. For a brief moment, she thought she heard a whisper, barely louder than the wind.

"Seek the heart of the storm..."

Amu blinked. Was that an illusion? Or a magical clue?

"Everything okay?" Tadase stepped closer, studying her with a furrowed brow.

"I think... the cave just spoke to me."

Nagi raised an eyebrow. "That would make sense. If it's sealed, there could be an ancient spell on it that reacts to those who try to enter."

Amu looked at the barrier again. Heart of the storm? What was that supposed to mean?

She took a few steps back and let her gaze wander. The cave was embedded in the earth, surrounded by steep rocks. Something caught her eye on one of the walls—strange, weathered patterns that stood out from the rest of the surroundings. She stepped closer and ran her fingers over the surface.

And then she saw it.

It was a relief—barely recognizable, but the outlines were still visible. A circular shape in the center, surrounded by rays. And below it, a figure holding some kind of medallion.

"An artifact..." she murmured.

Nagi stepped up beside her. "Do you think this is the key to the cave?"

"It would fit. The voice mentioned a 'heart of the storm.' Maybe that's the name of the artifact."

Tadase examined the engraving. "But where is it? There's no inscription."

Amu narrowed her eyes. Then she noticed a tiny symbol beneath the relief—it resembled a wave or wind.

"This could be a clue," she said quietly.

"A clue to what?" Nagi asked.

"Maybe to the place where we need to search."

Amu took a step back and studied the weathered relief on the rock wall again. The heart of the storm... what exactly did that mean?

"Maybe it has something to do with wind magic?" Nagi mused.

"Or with a place where storms rage often?" Tadase crossed his arms.

Amu examined the symbol beneath the relief again—it resembled wind, but upon closer inspection, it seemed to depict something else as well. A curved line below it... like a bridge?

"This could be a clue," she murmured.

Nisha, who had been standing nearby looking rather bored, finally stepped forward. "Hmm. This symbol... I've seen it before."

Amu immediately turned to her, intrigued. "Where?"

Nisha pointed toward the forest not far from the cave. "In an old ruin west of our city. Some of our elders believe it dates back to a time before the Feralis settled here. There are many faded symbols there—this one might be among them."

Amu looked at the others. "This is our best lead."

Tadase nodded hesitantly. "At least it's close. We could check it out."

Nagi grinned. "Time for the next round of riddles, then."

Nisha sighed. "I'll take you there, but don't expect much. The ruins are ancient and half-collapsed. If this artifact is there, it won't be easy to find."

Amu nodded firmly. Somewhere among those old stones, the key to the cave had to be hidden.

The group set off for the ruins. The forest they passed through was dense and wild, but Nisha led them with confident steps.

"How old are these ruins exactly?" Amu asked as she stepped over a weathered root.

"No one knows for sure," Nisha replied. "They were already here when the Feralis settled in this land. Some say they belong to an ancient civilization that vanished centuries ago."

After a while, they reached a clearing. Amidst towering, overgrown stone pillars stood a half-collapsed temple made of dark stone. The walls were covered in faded carvings, and nature had reclaimed its place—ivy and moss covered the ancient structures.

"There it is." Nisha pointed to the wall opposite the entrance. "I think I saw the symbol there."

Amu stepped closer and examined the engraved signs. She quickly spotted the wind symbol from the cave, positioned directly above a rectangular relief that looked like a sealed chamber.

"Maybe the artifact is hidden here," Tadase speculated.

Nagi leaned in and brushed some moss aside. "There's an inscription... but it's hard to read."

Amu narrowed her eyes and traced her fingers over the etched words.

"Only the wind carries the key."

She looked at the others. "What does that mean?"

"It could refer to a mechanism," Nagi guessed.

Nisha shrugged. "Maybe a riddle? I'm not good at this kind of thing."

Amu felt the soft breeze that whispered through the ruins. She took a step back and raised her hand. Her magic responded immediately, a faint hum surrounding her fingertips.

"Maybe we need to use the wind itself."

She focused, letting a gentle gust of wind flow across the wall. Suddenly, the symbol's lines flickered, and a quiet clicking sound echoed. The stone wall began to shift, slowly revealing a hidden passage.

"It worked!" Tadase exclaimed in surprise.

As the entrance gradually opened, Amu felt her heartbeat quicken. The darkness beyond looked eerie, but a faint glimmer inside drew her in.

Yoru stood beside her, arms crossed, eyeing the opening with a critical gaze. "Hmpf. Hopefully, this isn't just some old storage room full of junk." His ears twitched attentively, his long tail swaying slightly.

"You can wait outside if you want," Amu said with a sidelong glance.

Yoru snorted and shook his head. "No way. I don't want you messing things up in there and making us search even longer."

"I don't mess things up," Amu muttered, stepping closer to the entrance. She sighed softly. Yoru really didn't like being here, and it was obvious from his entire demeanor.

Yoru followed her lead, placing a hand on the doorframe and leaning forward to peer inside. "There's definitely something in there. It feels... strange."

"Strange how?" Nagi asked.

"I don't know exactly," Yoru admitted, running a hand through his hair in thought. "It's like something in there is watching me. Something is awake."

Amu felt a slight tension in her neck. "A guardian?"

"Possibly," Yoru replied, grimacing. "But if it is one, it doesn't seem too happy about us snooping around."

"Then we should be prepared for anything," Nagi said calmly.

Amu took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go."

With Yoru at her side and Nagi close behind, she stepped into the chamber as the humming in the air grew stronger.

Amu cautiously entered the dark chamber, drawn forward by the faint shimmer inside. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she stepped onto the ancient stone floor. Yoru, following closely, cast wary glances around the room. Tadase and Nisha stood right behind them, their eyes sharp and watchful.

"It's quiet," Tadase murmured, scanning the room. "Maybe too quiet."

Nisha moved closer to the walls, running her fingers over the rough stone. "I don't sense anything unusual," she said, her voice calm yet cautious. "But that doesn't mean there's nothing here."

Amu focused on the shimmer, which grew brighter. It seemed to be coming from an object in the center of the room, surrounded by a soft blue light. As she moved closer, she recognized it as a medallion resting on a pedestal.

"There," she whispered, pointing to the gleaming object.

Yoru narrowed his eyes. "That doesn't look like something we should just grab."

"Maybe there's a trick to it," Nagi said, carefully studying the surroundings. "We should be careful."

Amu stepped closer and reached out to touch the medallion. But just as her fingers were about to make contact, the air around her vibrated, and an invisible force pushed her hand back. A deep, resonant sound filled the chamber.

"That wasn't normal," Tadase said, taking a step back as the room around them began to change. The walls started to glow, and an unfamiliar, almost menacing presence filled the space.

"What's happening?" Nisha asked, clenching her fists, ready to react.

"I think the medallion is more than just a key," Amu said thoughtfully. "It must activate some kind of defense mechanism."

At that moment, the glowing light flickered and took shape, forming a ghostly figure in the middle of the chamber. It was shadowy, yet its eyes glowed an intense blue, almost as if they could see through Amu.

"Who dares enter the sacred halls of the storm?" a deep, eerie voice echoed through the room.

The group froze, sensing the powerful presence. Amu stepped forward. "We seek the Heart of the Storm," she said firmly. "We need the artifact to break the barrier."

The ghostly figure seemed to examine her with piercing eyes. "The Heart of the Storm is not easily found. Only the worthy may claim it. Prove your strength and determination."

"And how do we do that?" Nisha asked, skeptical.

"Solve the Riddle of Storms," the figure said. "Only then will the Heart reveal itself."

"Another riddle?" Nagi sighed. "This keeps getting more complicated."

"Prepare yourselves," the ghostly voice warned. "The storm will be your only tool."

Suddenly, the room began to shake as if the wind itself was raging through the walls. Amu felt the ground shift beneath her feet, and a powerful gust of air whipped through the chamber, making her hair and clothes billow. The ghostly figure vanished, and the walls started to spin, as if the entire space was trapped in a never-ending cycle.

"We need to figure out what they mean by 'the storm,'" Amu called out, trying to steady herself.

"Whatever it is, we have to do it together," Tadase said, his voice tense.

"Exactly," Nagi agreed. "So, what do we do now?"

Amu closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the roar of the wind and the steady hum that was growing louder. Then she remembered—the Heart of the Storm. It had to be connected to the wind that surrounded them. She turned toward the medallion, still hovering in the center of the room. It was no longer just an object; it was part of the storm itself.

"I think we need to tame the wind," she said, gathering her magic and trying to interact with the storm.

"Tame it?" Yoru scoffed. "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"Trust me, we don't have a choice." Amu reached out again, this time channeling her own magic into the movement. A gentle but determined wind began to swirl around her fingers.

The room trembled again, and the medallion glowed even brighter. The storm grew wilder, but Amu held her ground, her heart pounding.

"You must command the storm," a voice whispered in her mind. It was the same voice she had heard before.

"I can do this," she murmured, concentrating. The air around her thickened as she tried to calm the swirling chaos.

"Amu, be careful!" Tadase called out, stepping closer.

The wind howled, but Amu kept her hand steady. Then, suddenly, Sylph appeared beside her, extending her own hand and channeling her wind magic.

"This won't work without me," she said with a playful grin.

Slowly, the storm around them began to calm, and the medallion returned to its original form, its glow fading into a steady shimmer.

As the room stabilized once more, silence fell over them. Amu exhaled heavily, her hand still outstretched as the medallion hovered in front of her.

"You did it," Nagi said, sounding impressed.

"I wonder if it's really just a key to Ifrit's cave," Amu mused, examining the still-green, glittering artifact in her hand. She found no further clues on its surface and glanced at Sylph, who merely grinned before disappearing again. With a sigh, Amu tucked the artifact into her pouch.

By the time they stepped outside, the sun was already beginning to set, much to the group's surprise.

"Time seems to move differently in that chamber," Tadase noted aloud.

"Or maybe you just lose track of time," Nagi added with a shrug.

"Either way, I prefer my peaceful life in the city. Do you guys always get into situations like this?" Nisha asked, for the first time admitting she had felt some fear for her life inside that chamber.

"Most of the time," Nagi grinned. "So maybe you should rethink whether you really want me." He stuck out his tongue and winked at her.

She rolled her eyes. "As if that was even an option."

"Who was the one saying she doesn't give up so easily?" he teased, raising his arms and tilting his head slightly.

Tadase sighed and shook his head. "Nagi, stop. Don't give her false hope."

The purple-haired boy sighed and nodded. "Alright, alright..."

Nisha looked down, visibly saddened, her hand gripping her upper arm. She wasn't even sure what it was about Nagi that drew her in so much, but knowing she had no chance at all weighed heavily on her mood.

Finally, the group returned to the city. There was no time to test the artifact, as the bonfire festival was about to begin, and Nisha was already kinda late. She led them to the festival grounds before slipping away to take her place.

As expected, they were met with mixed glances from the other attendees, making them all feel a bit uneasy.

Thanks to Nisha, the group had secured front-row seats. They waited quietly, their gazes fixed on the large pile of wood that had yet to be set ablaze.

"I'm curious to see what happens," Amu said with a small smile, standing between Nagi on her left and Tadase on her right.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and as the last light vanished, the grand bonfire was lit. Music filled the air—flutes, string instruments, and drums echoing across the festival grounds.

As the flames cast a deep violet glow, Nisha and Amalia emerged from the sides, dressed in enchanting dance garments. They carried long, flowing scarves that they waved elegantly, making them look like living flames.

With each movement and the rhythm of the music, metal and gemstone powder was tossed into the fire, causing the colors to shift and sparks to shimmer around them.

The atmosphere was mesmerizing, and Amu watched with wide, fascinated eyes. Even Tadase, Nagi, and Yoru were spellbound by the scene.

Suddenly, the music intensified, and both dancers turned their focus toward Amu's group. Nisha danced toward Nagi, wrapping her scarf around his neck, while Amalia did the same with Tadase. Their smiles were playful, almost seductive.

Amu, standing in the middle, felt an uncomfortable knot form in her stomach.

Amalia gently but firmly tugged at the scarf, urging Tadase forward. He resisted, pulling in the opposite direction.

"Stop it..." he murmured under his breath, almost growling.

But Amalia leaned in, whispering in his ear, "Do you really want to cause a scene?"

Tadase looked around nervously, noticing the impatient and judgmental gazes of the Feralis. They were already upset that the two women had chosen outsiders as their "partners," but his resistance only made things worse. He swallowed and desperately searched for Amu's eyes. Their gazes met, and the pain he saw in hers was almost unbearable. But he knew he had no choice but to give in. Reluctantly, he followed Amalia.

The black-haired leopard woman led him into the dance with grace, but her closeness made Tadase stiff and uncomfortable. Despite this, Amalia made every effort to press her body against his.

Nisha, on the other hand, had it easier. Nagi knew he had no choice. If he refused, their cover would be blown, and everyone would know that he and Nisha were only pretending to be in a romantic relationship. He had to go along with it. He had to play her partner. With a sigh, without looking at Amu, he placed a charming hand around Nisha's waist and let her lead him onto the dance floor. Their movements were harmonious, as if they had been a couple for ages. Their bodies sought each other, pressed closely together. Nagi managed to create the illusion that he loved and enjoyed every second of it.

Amu felt her stomach twist. Now she had to endure that both of her partners were tightly embraced in the arms of those Feralis women. Her gaze, filled with pain and jealousy, wandered between the couples in front of her. The sight of Tadase bothered her less than that of Nagi. Even though she knew he was only doing this to maintain their cover, with each passing second, it became harder to believe that this was just an act. They looked so intimate, so in love. Of course, she was aware that it wasn't real—but the pain still was.

Her gaze landed on Tadase again, who now seemed a bit more relaxed. Was he starting to fall for that woman? Amu swallowed hard, the lump in her throat almost unbearable. She could only watch helplessly and guess what was happening between them. What had Amalia whispered in his ear? Why had he stopped resisting so quickly?

Yoru watched the whole scene with a sigh before turning to Amu, whose unease was written all over her face. "Come on, Amu… They were forced into this situation. Don't overthink it, okay? Trust them..." Yoru knew that Amu had never been confronted with other women showing interest in her partners, but in his eyes, they had been through enough that she should be able to trust them blindly.

The music changed again, a loud bang echoed through the air, and the fire shifted colors once more. Amu's eyes widened at the sight before her, and her heart threatened to shatter. Was this the feeling she had inflicted on the men? Did they feel like this every day? She hated herself for it, felt awful, yet she knew she couldn't change it. She loved both of them too much, was too selfish to let either of them go.

The loud bang resounded, and Nisha wrapped her arms around Nagi's neck, kissing him intensely and passionately. Nagi, initially surprised, eventually responded with a playful smile and even more passion, lifting her onto his hip so that her legs wrapped tightly around him.

At the same time, the same thing happened with Amalia and Tadase. The leopard woman pressed her lips against his in a passionate kiss. Tadase tried once again to resist and pull away, but when Amalia touched one of his ears, he became calmer, almost submissive. Those damned ears. He hated them. Why did they have such power over his body? Why did they make him so weak? He didn't want this. He didn't want Amu to see this. But he was too weak.

Amu lowered her gaze, clenched her fists, and took a deep breath in and out. /Calm down, Amu… Nagi is doing this to help me, and Tadase is being manipulated by that woman.../ she told herself, trying to suppress the rising anger and not blame the two boys for what was happening.

The two women finally released them, but Nagi himself continued leading Nisha in a dance. That irritated Amu immensely. Did he really have to overdo it like that?

Tadase, on the other hand, was freed and returned to Amu. Their eyes met, and he swallowed hard, as if he could read every emotion in her gaze. "Amu… I… I'm sorry. I didn't want this," his voice was uncertain but sincere.

Amu forced a small smile. "I know… I think…" Yet, she still wondered what Amalia had whispered to him, why he had suddenly stopped resisting.

He could easily put himself in her shoes and knew that if their roles were reversed, he would desperately want to know what had been said—so he told her without her even needing to ask. Amu sighed and nodded. "Using the festival like that… pathetic..." She shot a disdainful look at Amalia, but the woman merely shrugged and turned away.

When her gaze landed on Nagi, her heart grew heavy once again. Her expression became more serious before she looked back at Tadase and took a deep breath before smiling. "Let's show them what a real couple looks like."

"Amu… You know I'd do anything for you… but remember, Nagi is doing all this to help us… You don't have to get back at him," Tadase said, his gaze briefly flickering to the couple before he sighed. Their performance was convincing enough—Nagi really didn't have to drag it out any further.

Amu pursed her lips slightly. If she wanted to get back at anyone, it was Nisha, but that wasn't her intention at all.

Tadase studied Amu for a moment, searching her eyes for confirmation that she truly wanted this. Then he finally nodded, gently placing a hand on her waist and leading her to the dance floor with an elegant motion.

In the meantime, the music had changed again—the rhythmic drums and exotic sounds created an even more intense, almost seductive atmosphere.

Some of the Feralis gathered around the dance floor, watching with increasing curiosity.

"Wait a second…" one murmured with a furrowed brow. "Is that really the same man who danced with Amalia?"

"He looked so awkward before… and now…?"

"Now he looks like he was born for this."

The transformation was undeniable. Tadase moved with a confidence that surprised not only Amu but also the spectators. Where he had felt stiff and lost under Amalia's lead, he now led Amu with an almost alarming ease.

For a brief moment, Amu felt uncertain as Tadase positioned her, but as soon as his hands settled on her, she relaxed. He knew her movements, knew exactly how to guide her. Their bodies found each other effortlessly, like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.

As they moved to the music, their dance became something completely different from Nagi and Nisha's. Where Nagi had been charming and playful, this was pure, unspoken passion. Tadase pulled Amu closer, their bodies mere inches apart. His hand glided slowly over her waist, his grip firm yet gentle—possessive, yet tender.

Amu could feel his warmth, the gentle pressure of his fingers as he spun her against his chest. Her heart pounded as he caught her gaze—deep, intense, as if he could see right through her. The air between them was charged, heavy with unspoken emotions.

"This is… fascinating," one of the Feralis whispered.

"Fascinating? That's pure hunger," another replied with a knowing grin.

Tadase lifted Amu in a fluid motion, and when she landed back on the ground, their cheeks were mere millimeters apart. For a moment, they paused, the music vibrating in the air, their breaths mingling. Then Tadase pulled away—only to immediately draw her back in with a smooth movement.

Amu could no longer think clearly. His proximity burned against her skin, her mind was blank, overwhelmed by emotions she couldn't name. She wanted to ask what was happening to him, why this dance felt different from any before—but then she suddenly felt his lips on hers.

The kiss was hot, intense, demanding. No hesitation, no uncertainty. Tadase took what he wanted, and for a moment, Amu could do nothing but cling to him. A low murmur went through the Feralis crowd.

Nagi, watching the scene, pressed his lips together slightly. He had always known about the deep connection between Amu and Tadase—but seeing this dance, this kiss, stirred something in him. Not because he couldn't accept it, but because it was so intense.

Still, he kept his composure, though his steps became just a bit firmer as he continued leading Nisha. She smirked in amusement. "Jealous?" she teased.

He laughed quietly, but his gaze remained fixed on Amu and Tadase. "I've seen worse…" he replied with feigned nonchalance, yet the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed that the dance hadn't left him completely unaffected.

By now, Tadase had led Amu into a final, fluid spin before pulling her back into his arms with a gentle yet firm grip. Their faces were so close that their noses almost touched.

The music ended with one last vibrating note.

But Tadase didn't move away. His gaze was dark, intense, filled with longing—and then he kissed her again.

This time, the kiss was different. Slower, deeper. It was no longer an impulsive, heated desire but something possessive, something that left no doubt about what he felt. His fingers brushed gently over her back as he only slowly pulled away, as if he wanted to burn this moment into his memory forever.

Applause erupted around them. But Amu barely heard it—her mind was blank, her body still buzzing with adrenaline. She had only started this dance as a small reaction to Nagi, yet now she felt as if she had pulled herself into something far deeper.

Tadase leaned in slightly. "I hope you enjoyed that…" he murmured softly, his breath brushing against her ear.

Amu swallowed and forced a smile. "It… it was okay."

But her racing heartbeat told a different story.

Tadase studied her for a moment, his gaze holding her captive as if he could sense that her words didn't match what her body was betraying. His grip on her waist was still there, his warmth burned into her skin.

Amu felt her breathing grow uneven, her heart pounding against her ribs. She could have denied it, could have tried to free herself from this charged atmosphere—but she knew Tadase had seen right through her.

"Just okay?" he murmured, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. His thumb brushed against her lower back, as if challenging her to answer.

Amu opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, another presence stepped between them.

"That was… intense," came Nisha's voice. She stood beside them with her arms crossed, eyeing Tadase with a lopsided smirk. "Didn't think you could dance like that. Looked very different when you were with Amalia."

Amu blinked, realizing that they were no longer alone. Some Feralis still stood nearby, watching Tadase with curiosity—some with a hint of skepticism, others with open interest.

Tadase's lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing. Instead, he slowly let go of Amu, as if expecting her to pull away at any moment.

But she didn't.

She could still feel the aftershocks of the dance, the tingling on her skin, the lingering taste of his kiss. She didn't know what was happening to her. This dance had only been a reaction to Nagi—yet it had felt like something that had rooted itself deep in her heart.

Nagi stepped closer, his gaze flicking from Amu to Tadase.

"I knew you two had a strong connection, but…" He left the sentence hanging, his tone neutral, but in his eyes, Amu recognized something she now understood better than before. Jealousy.

She pressed her lips together and looked down. Now that she had experienced this feeling herself, she wanted to be more careful in the future—not to let them suffer from it constantly.

"Let's just end the night on a calmer note, alright?" Yoru stepped in, running a hand through his hair. "Enough playing with hearts." He rolled his eyes at the whole situation, finding all this drama unnecessary.

"There's still food. Come on," the vixen said, leading the group to the buffet, where they each grabbed something before heading up to a higher spot.

Near the campfire stood a hill. From there, they could still see the fire and the bustling crowd, but they also had a clear view of the land stretching far beyond—even into other kingdoms.

"I'm not happy about this. Nagi has already compromised for you plenty today. That was unnecessary. And what does Amalia think she's doing? Forcing Tadase like that." Amu's voice was cool, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Nagi and Tadase had rarely heard her speak this way.

Nisha grimaced and sighed. "The women chosen for the dance have to pick one of the spectators to join them. I didn't have a choice, did I? What would the others think if I didn't call my so-called boyfriend to me?" She paused briefly, her expression calm as she looked forward.

"Amalia has taken a liking to Tadase… so it was only natural that she'd want to dance with him. But the main reason was likely that he is decent. If she had chosen one of the Feralis men, there was a high chance he'd use the situation as an excuse to touch her inappropriately…"

Amu rolled her eyes. That explanation wasn't enough for her. "You do this every year, don't you? So it's nothing new."

The vixen wrinkled her nose and turned to Amu. "Even if that's the case, what's wrong with wanting one year without being harassed? The dancers are chosen anew every year. It's usually women who haven't had a steady partner in a long time. They rotate among them, and this year, it was us. The kiss is mandatory. They use these dances, the forced partner selection, and the kiss to help women find a mate—and, somehow, it usually works. Most of the dancers end up with the one they choose."

Tadase frowned, glancing around the group. "Your traditions are… different," he finally said cautiously.

Nisha let out a quiet snort. "You can say that again. The men worship us, but if you're too picky, you end up alone. Most women have multiple partners, but the ones who are choosier… well, they often go years without one."

She crossed her arms and leaned against a rock. "Look at me. I could've had one or more partners by now, but most of them just aren't…" She searched for the right word. "Worth it. The attractive ones only care about their own pleasure, and the good-hearted ones are too afraid to approach a woman like me. That's the real problem."

Amu nodded slightly. That made sense—at least for the Feralis. Her own people had different customs, but even among them, it wasn't always easy to find someone who truly matched you.

"And the dance is supposed to help with that?" Tadase asked.

"Partly, yes," Nisha confirmed. "It's a way to attract attention and form a connection. But we aren't forced to choose someone we don't want." She glanced briefly at Amu, then at Tadase. "Amalia knew she had no chance with you. We all saw that. But she had to pick someone, and you were the safest choice for her."

Tadase didn't respond, simply letting his gaze wander. It was clear that the festival unsettled him, but at least he accepted it.

Amu, however, took a deep breath. She had calmed down again—especially after her own dance with Tadase. That had been something entirely different. And she knew he hadn't had a choice in the matter.

For a few minutes, they ate in silence, each absorbing the scenery before them. But Amu was the first to narrow her eyes and lean forward slightly.

Far in the distance, a pitch-black cloud or mist began to form over a vast forested area.

"What is that…?" she murmured uncertainly, drawing everyone's attention to the scene.

"Probably that witch… There are more and more reports of towns and villages being wiped out…" Nisha muttered uneasily, wrapping her arms around herself. "If she comes here, we're finished. We wouldn't stand a chance…"

"You have Ifrit, don't you?" Nagi pointed out, briefly considering whether to pull her into his arms for comfort but deciding against it for Amu's sake.

"He doesn't interfere with fate… or at least, that's what we believe. We've never tried to contact him. Honestly, we're a pretty cowardly race and fear the unknown. Who knows if he wouldn't just burn anyone who entered his lair…" She sighed heavily.

Suddenly, the sky lit up for a brief moment. A powerful bolt of lightning flashed through the clouds, illuminating the landscape for miles.

The group flinched, but as the light faded, the black clouds had disappeared as well.

Yoru's ears twitched as a strange feeling ran through him, but he only shook his head with a sigh. "More lives lost…" he murmured, his voice mournful.

The group fell into a somber silence, until Nisha was the first to speak. "Let's go. It's late anyway."

When they arrived home, Nisha noticed the glances between Amu and Nagi and sighed. "I'll head upstairs. You can come up later."

Nagi frowned. "Huh? What do you mean—"

Before he could finish his question, she had already disappeared up the stairs.

Before he could even think about what she meant, he felt a hand on his shoulder—and in the next moment, he and Amu were unceremoniously shoved into the bathroom by Tadase.

"There are curtains in here, so no one can see inside," Tadase said briefly, closed the door behind them, and casually dropped onto the sofa.

Amu stood there, completely caught off guard, blinking. "What… was that just now?"

But she got no answer.

Nagi stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the floor. His posture was stiff, his fingers clenched into fists. Then he took a sharp breath, swallowed hard—and before Amu could react, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a firm embrace.

Her eyes instinctively searched the window—much to her relief, the curtains were already closed.

She felt his grip tighten, his arms wrapping around her as if he feared she would slip away. His breathing was uneven, almost trembling. Then, in a quiet, rough voice, he spoke:

"I'm sorry for doing this to you with Nisha… I… I can understand what you did with Tadase, but you know, this isn't easy for me…"

He held her even tighter, his face buried in her hair.

"I don't want to touch her. I don't want to kiss her… She's nice, yeah, and pretty… but she's not you."

Amu swallowed. She had never seen him like this before. Normally, Nagi was the carefree one, the playful one, the one who always laughed. But now… now he was standing here, trembling. And it had only been a single day.

"I… I'm tired of always stepping back," his voice was quiet, slightly shaking. "I don't want to be the one who takes everything with a smile anymore. I don't want to be the one who just lifts the mood… I don't want to always be selfless and understanding…" she remembered that he already admitted the same a few days ago during the card game they're been playing. How could she help him through this? Nobody expected all of this from him, but it seemed like he couldn't escape that circle.

Suddenly, he lifted her onto his hips and pressed her gently but firmly against the wall.

Amu's heart raced. She was overwhelmed, unsure of how to react. This side of him was completely foreign to her.

His hands trembled slightly as he looked into her eyes. "You don't belong to just him… You belong to me too."

His voice was rough, filled with uncertainty, yet demanding. Almost pleading.

Their gazes met. She understood.

She was surprised by his actions, because just a few days ago, he had told her something different, that he didn't need it. But instead of hesitating, she nodded slowly. "Of course, Nagi… I belong to you too." Even though she felt bad and thought that she could stay true to her morals now that Tadase was normal again. After all, she just recently admitted that she wouldn't be doing this so early under normal circumstances. But those weren't normal circumstances, were they?

A shiver ran through his body. For a moment, he closed his eyes, then a smile formed on his lips—one full of relief. But there were tears in his eyes, though they, too, belonged to his relief.

His breathing was fast, his chest rising and falling erratically. He hesitated, as if considering something, but then dismissed the thought.

He wanted her. Now.

After everything that had happened today, after everything he had seen, after all the jealousy he had tried to suppress—he wanted her for himself.

His fingers traced over her cheek, his gaze locked onto hers. His thumb brushed gently over her lips as he pulled her face toward him and kissed her—demanding, almost desperate.

His hands wandered over her body, impatient, restless. She felt the heat burning inside him, the trembling in his fingers, the desire he could no longer hold back.

Her current clothing made it easy; she didn't even have to take anything off.

It wasn't the right place, not the right moment—but it was necessary.

He needed her.

And she couldn't and wouldn't deny him that.

It was a short, intense moment, hurried, full of emotions, yet nothing felt rushed.

When he finally leaned against her again, his breathing still unsteady, he whispered into her hair:

"Tell me… that I'm not losing you…"

Amu wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.

"You won't."

Tadase hadn't thought much of it when he sent the two into the bathroom. He only knew that Nagi and Amu were having a hard time at the moment and wanted to give them a brief, undisturbed chance to at least talk. Maybe an honest hug, a few words—nothing that would draw too much attention.

He had spent quite some time with Nagi and had learned to read him fairly well by now. Even at the campfire, he had seen the strong jealousy, the insecurity, and the pain in his eyes, even though he had smiled through it and continued playing the happy couple with Nisha. Tadase also knew Nagi's movements well and could clearly see the difference in how he interacted with Nisha. Every touch made him uncomfortable.

Tadase knew that Nagi wanted to hug Amu and talk to her, but that was only possible in the bathroom, undisturbed.

That it would end like this, however, he had not expected.

When Amu and Nagi finally came out, Tadase let his gaze casually sweep over them.

Amu seemed calmer than before, as if a weight had been lifted from her.

Nagi, on the other hand…

He looked relieved, but at the same time thoughtful. Almost as if he was only now beginning to grasp what had just happened.

Tadase wasn't an idiot. Even if he didn't immediately know what exactly had happened in the bathroom, he recognized the change in Nagi's posture, in the way he moved, the way he looked at Amu. It was different from before.

His instinct told him that it had been more than just a conversation. Far more.

But it didn't bother him.

He had already begun to accept Amu's decision back at the castle. After all, he had been presented with a done deal back then. His love wouldn't have been worth much if he hadn't been willing to share her, just like the other two did.

He sighed at the thought. This mindset was still absurd. His love certainly wasn't worth less just because he hadn't initially wanted to share her, hadn't wanted to keep throwing himself onto the knife over and over again.

The jealousy that once would have torn him apart was now rare. Hardly noticeable.

But Nagi… Nagi, who always acted like he could take everything lightly, as if it were just a game, a dance he effortlessly mastered…

Tadase saw in his eyes that this wasn't true.

Only now did he realize that Nagi was much more jealous than he had ever admitted to himself.

Tadase looked at him and smiled slightly.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked casually, without reproach.

Nagi blinked, then shook his head with a grin. "I think... yes."
Tadase let out a quiet laugh. "Good."

"Doesn't this bother you at all?" Nagi recognized from Tadase's tone and expression that he knew.
"No," he shrugged and smiled.

"It seems like you're much further than I am... I'm still constantly battling jealousy... the feeling of being second-rate... the fear of losing her." The purple haired boy sighed heavily. "I was always convinced that I could handle it, that I'd be confident enough not to feel jealous. After all, back then it was my own suggestion," though back then it was with Ikuto, not Tadase, but that wouldn't have made a difference.

"We're here for you, it'll be fine," Tadase reassured him confidently.

Amu, on the other hand, felt awkwardly embarrassed that, despite not being particularly obvious, tadase had immediately seen through them. She sat next to Tadase on the couch and looked at both of them. "I'll try to behave better in the future... I don't know if I'll succeed right away, or always... but I don't want to expose anyone to constant jealousy anymore... I had to experience what it feels like for the first time today, and it's horrible... I'm sorry I put you both through that..."

Tadase just grinned cheekily. "Make me jealous? Good luck with that." Of course, he wasn't never jealous, but hardly ever anymore.

"Show-off." Amu rolled her eyes and smiled.

"Big words, do you wanna find out how much is behind them?" Nagi grinned and went closer to amu.

Amu gave a faint smile at Nagi's childish gesture, but inside, she still felt uncomfortable. She knew that Tadase was taking it lightly – or at least pretending to – but Nagi…

Her gaze drifted to him. Despite his playful nature, there was still a hint of insecurity in his eyes.

"I mean it," she said finally. "I really want to try to look after all of you."

Nagi raised an eyebrow and gave a crooked smile. "Well, that won't be easy, you're the most sought-after woman in the land."

Tadase laughed quietly. "Most sought-after woman in the land? I thought you were going to say she's a walking disaster who'll throw us all into chaos."

"That's not mutually exclusive," Nagi replied with a grin.

Amu gave both of them an exaggerated look of mock indignation. "You're impossible."

But secretly, she was relieved that the mood had lightened.

Tadase leaned back against the couch's armrest. "But seriously... it's nice that we're at a point where we can laugh about things like this, right? I mean, a few weeks ago, we would have been doing stupid impulsive decisions, because of misunderstandings."

"True," Nagi murmured thoughtfully. "Back then, I probably would have acted like it didn't bother me while I was boiling inside."

Amu lowered her gaze. She remembered those times all too well. The unspoken suffering, the hidden feelings they all carried.

"So... maybe it would help if we were just more open about it," she suggested hesitantly.

Nagi nodded slowly. "Yeah... maybe."

Tadase shrugged. "I think it's going pretty well already. After all, this time, we only trashed a bathroom, not an entire castle."

Amu and Nagi exchanged a horrified glance.

"I'm just kidding," Tadase quickly added, raising his hands in defense.

"Better be," Amu muttered.

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence. Then Nagi suddenly stretched and yawned dramatically.

"Well, now that I've had my dose of drama for the day, I'm off to bed."

He got up, turned back to Amu, and grinned. "And you should too. I don't want to see you as a zombie tomorrow."

Amu grimaced. "I'm not a zombie."

"Not yet." He paused, glancing at both of them with a shy smile. "Thanks..."

With those words, he left the room.

Tadase watched him go, then turned to Amu with a slight smile. "So? Do you regret letting us both into your life?"

Amu leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment. Then she smiled.

"No."

She knew it wouldn't always be easy. That there would be moments of doubt and pain.

But she also knew it was worth it.

"Could you warn me next time... aren't these all private conversations and hints...? I'm happy to leave the room," Yoru sighed, sitting on his lounge, staring out the window. Did they not care at all that he could hear everything?

"You're part of this chaotic family too, but if you're uncomfortable, I'll just kick you out before the next conversation," Amu shrugged. It didn't bother her that Yoru overheard everything.

The blue-haired boy stayed silent, his tail swishing back and forth. He was part of the family? Somehow that touched him, and a faint smile crossed his lips.

Nagi stood for a moment in front of the bedroom door, sighing heavily. The conversation between Amu, Tadase, and Amalia echoed in his mind. She'd know immediately and would probably confront him. Gently, he opened the door and saw her sitting on the bed. The moonlight illuminated the room, and its rays landed directly on Nisha. She looked like a moon goddess.

The fox girl twitched her ears as the door opened and wrinkled her nose, but kept her gaze on her legs as she applied cream. "And now?"

Her tone was neutral. Nagi had somehow expected her to be angrier or more hurt, but why would she be? There was nothing between them; he hadn't done anything wrong.

"What do you mean...?" He knew it was pointless to pretend ignorance but still wanted to try.

"You're still several feet away from me, and I can smell her all over you. I'm sure I'm not the only one." Her delicate hands slid gently up and down her long, moonlit legs.

"I gave you time for yourselves, but not like this... talking... hugging, maybe kissing, but intimacy? That brings such a strong scent." She sighed and finally looked at him.

He briefly glanced away, sighing. What did she want to hear from him? What was he supposed to do? He definitely didn't want him and the others to be expelled from the city because then they wouldn't have any chance of bringing Amu to Ifrit.

"I... could go take a shower...?" he muttered uncertainly. Why did he smell so strongly? It was only brief; they hadn't even sweat. Was it just the nature of the Feralis to smell it immediately?

"That'll only help a little, at most..." She sighed, crossing her legs elegantly on the bed. "But I guess it's better than nothing... I could come with you and help."

The purple haired boy blinked at her defensively and confused.

"I... only meant that I could scrub your skin... possibly lay my upper body against your back... but... that probably won't help much..." She sighed, her face turning red. She wasn't really keen on this, even though she had feelings for Nagi. She knew nothing could ever come of it. She actually wanted only her partners to see her undressed, let alone do more with her.

The purple haired one shook his head. "Even if I briefly ignore your insinuation, the first suggestion still goes too far. Never. That would be a betrayal to Amu!"

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Do you think I want that…?"

"Yes," he paused briefly and looked at her intently. "Yes, I think you're not entirely opposed to it." He crossed his arms and took a step back.

"We both know you'll leave again soon. So, what will be left?" Her fingers dug into the blanket as she thought about it. She would be worthless. One of the most beautiful of the Feralis women, tainted by an outsider and left alone. It would be a shame, and no one would want her anymore, but she kept it to herself.

Nagi didn't understand but didn't feel like probing further, so he sighed. He approached her, grabbed her wrist, and led her downstairs. He didn't know what to do and it wasn't his place to decide alone, because Ifrit was an important part of their journey.

Amu was sitting on the sofa while Tadase was lying on his back with his head in her lap, as she gently stroked his hair. Though he didn't show it during the day, in the evening, the grief, pain and mostly the guilt over Ikuto's death overtook him. He had already explained it to Amu, but Nagi still had no idea. When he suddenly stood in the room with Nisha and noticed Tadase's tears, he, of course, had to ask.

Tadase was about to speak when Amu gently placed her free hand over his mouth. "I'll handle it," she smiled softly and continued stroking his head.

"His feelings were lost that same day, do you remember?" She looked at Nagi, who nodded shortly, and then she continued. "While our feelings kept moving forward, or were even partly removed..." she paused briefly, still angry at Samira for that. "They stood still for him. He had no chance to process it… It feels to him like it was just yesterday… he suffers from the pain of loss and especially the pressure of guilt…"

Nagi swallowed. He didn't know any of this and quickly realized that now was an incredibly bad time to bring up their current issue, but it had to be done.

"We all really need to start being open with each other and not suppress everything... holding it in all day is not good. I'm speaking from experience…" His gaze rested compassionately on his friend, and he sighed heavily.

"I'm not holding it in… I just wait until the evening..." The blonde sat up, wiped away his remaining tears, and smiled faintly at the purple haired one.

"You're keeping it a secret from me…"

"No, there just hasn't been a moment to mention or bring it up. Sooner or later, you would have noticed… once you're back with us." He really hadn't kept it a secret; there just hadn't been an opportunity.

"Why are you here?"

Nagi let go of Nisha's wrist and swallowed as he looked down. He didn't even want to say it and hated just thinking about it. "The Feralis claim... that they can smell so well…"

Amu narrowed her eyes, already knowing where this was going. "Maybe she's lying to get what she wants. I can somewhat understand the thing with Tadase and me, but that just now? That brief moment? Really?" She looked at Nisha disdainfully.

Nisha stared at Amu in disbelief, her hands trembling with anger. "What gives you the right to accuse me of that… I haven't done anything to deserve this…" Her anger quickly shifted into tears. "I've already explained the dance... and the rest was all initiated by him…" She wiped away a few tears with the back of her hand.

Yoru sighed in annoyance. "She's not lying... I can literally smell who your 'favorite' is and when. You still reek of Tadase… Nagi's scent only lightly clings to you..." He paused for a moment and glanced at Nagi. "He, on the other hand, now smells strongly of you."

The blue-haired one deduced that the frequency and length of interactions were likely the key to the scent, so he deliberately let the word 'favorite' flow into his statement, because apparently, she had been much more active with Tadase. He didn't know about the week that had been an attempt to awaken his feelings.

She made a bitter face. "I don't have a favorite…" She tried to convince herself of that, but the fact that her connection to Tadase was stronger was hard to deny.

"We won't be able to meet Ifrit. Tomorrow morning, the deception will be exposed, and they'll throw us out. Unless Nagi stays with Nisha in the house... but that would also be suspicious, and they'll probably send someone over…" Tadase mused aloud with a sigh.

"Unless he…" He shook his head. Thinking about it was pointless.

Amu's gaze darkened for a moment. "But… we need Ifrit…" She felt somewhat hopeless at the moment. She shook her head as well. She couldn't do this to Nagi, not after seeing how much he already hated the 'little things' from today. Was it all for nothing? Would they fail now because they had no chance to meet Ifrit?

"What if we go to him now?"

"Many are nocturnal... you'll never find the city empty… I've laid out a solution for you. Whether you accept it is up to you." Nisha leaned against the wall and looked out the window.

"Great solution…" Amu muttered in annoyance.

"Are you aware that the world doesn't revolve around you? That you or even Nagi aren't the only ones who have to make sacrifices in this situation?" Her gaze remained fixed on the window, and her voice was slightly shaky yet cold. "Do you really think I wanted this for myself? Did I imagine it this way? As a means to an end... short and loveless?" She didn't say it outright, but Amu understood. Nisha had never experienced intimate moments.

The pink-haired one sighed. "I'm sorry…"

For a moment, the simplest and most trivial thought crossed her mind: a shower. But it immediately vanished again. The last time with Tadase had been almost two days ago. Not much, but she showered every day, and there was the incident with Nagi. Still, she smelled so strongly of the nights with Tadase that showering probably wouldn't help. /Stupid Feralis with their stupid culture and their stupid noses... what's the point of all this…/ Amu thought tensely.

"To immediately recognize infidelity... unfaithful men are exiled... also, it's related to pregnancies… since we're supposed to bear many children, our bodies are quite quickly weakened. Pregnant women are waited on hand and foot to avoid complications…" Nisha had studied Amu for a moment and could guess what was going through her mind.

"Are you reading minds now, too?"

"Tch…" She turned her gaze away again.

"Amu… calm down… we'll find a way… somehow…" he didn't sound convinced, which wasn't surprising, considering the cave was inside the city. Still, Nagi didn't want Amu to keep snapping at Nisha, as he understood her statement and could tell from her entire posture and behavior that she didn't want any of it.

"It's just a meaningless night… a means to an end…" the pink-haired girl murmured quietly, finally looking at Nagi calmly. "I won't ask anything of you, but if you think you can do it, I just want to say that it won't change anything. I love you. I trust you. This one night can never destroy what we have."

Nagi looked at her helplessly, opening his mouth several times without words coming out. The fact that she was even considering this possibility was so absurd to him that he couldn't make sense of it, but at the same time, her words moved him. That unwavering trust reflected in her eyes.

"Are you sure… there's no going back after this… you'll never be the only one again…"

Amu swallowed briefly, her expression dimming, then she smiled. "Would it mean something to you?" She approached him, speaking softly so that only they could hear each other, not wanting to hurt Nisha any further.

"Of course not… I… I don't even know if it will work…" he blushed slightly and spoke at the same volume as her.

Amu winked and smiled a little. "You'll manage. If…" She paused briefly, hesitating before continuing. "If you can promise me that you won't develop any feelings, then make it pleasant for her… it's her first time, after all…"

"I won't develop feelings for anyone but you… but… are you really sure? Just like we were earlier should be enough for this scent thing…" he sighed, wanting to get it over with quickly if he had to. When his gaze fell on Nisha, who was hugging herself and silently crying, he swallowed hard.
"Amu… is this really okay with you… I… please don't think that I want this…"

She smiled gently at him. "Yes, it's fine. You're my man, and that will never change. But only do it if it's okay for you. Earlier… even simple touches stressed you so much… I don't want to see you suffer. We'll manage without Ifrit."

Tadase observed them and joined the hushed conversation. "Don't leave me out of this, okay?" He draped an arm around each of their necks.

Nagi shook his head at Tadase. "…It's okay… I have your explicit consent… if you promise me it won't hurt you… then it won't hurt me either…"

"Don't worry. It won't hurt me."

"It might hurt me, though! After all, we also had our two special moments!" Tadase pouted dramatically, making both of them laugh.

"My role doesn't suit you," Nagi replied with a grin.

Nisha glanced over at the three of them, and it was immediately clear that a strong bond connected them. She was reminded once again of how impossible it was to break any of those bonds. They were a well-oiled team. Their love was sincere, and no one could come between them.

Finally, Nagi sighed heavily again and broke away from their crisis meeting. He looked at Amu one last time, seeking confirmation that it was really okay, before he went over to Nisha and lifted her up. "Well then…" His voice was uncertain, and both of their glances were awkward. She blushed slightly as he lifted her up, and shortly after, the two of them disappeared upstairs.

Tadase swallowed and looked at Amu uncertainly. "Are you really okay…?"

Amu stayed silent for a moment, focusing on her breathing. Seeing them leave like that, knowing what was about to happen, was harder than she expected, but she quickly calmed herself with deliberate breathing. "He's mine… what does a meaningless night matter…" She smiled gently and calmly. In her words, there was truth and conviction. "And honestly, I don't think we can move forward without Ifrit… we have to end this pointless slaughter of Dia… I have to think about the bigger picture…"

"You should've just held it together in there," Tadase raised an eyebrow and shrugged.

Amu looked at him and stuck her tongue out. "I regret nothing! That was the first time I didn't have any doubts about maybe imposing myself on the other person. The first time I felt so desired… I don't want to miss that." She blushed and nervously twisted her fingers.

Tadase sighed and rolled his eyes a little. "Once everything settles and calms down… once time healed wounds… you'll regret saying that," he grinned mischievously and pulled her a little closer. One day, when it felt completely right, he would show her that she was his… well, and Nagis, for the time he was allowed to stay with them.

The pink-haired girl blushed even more and swallowed nervously.
Tadase smiled knowingly.

"You've changed a lot," she murmured quietly, still looking at the stairs.

"And that's… bad?" He pulled her to him, lifted her briefly, and sat down on the sofa with her on his lap.

She shook her head. "No… you seem… a bit happier and more relaxed. I'm glad," she smiled softly, holding a hand over her heart. "And gradually more confident."

"Well, I was just told today again that I could be more confident," he grinned and shrugged.
But then he became a bit more serious. "I'm just trying to make the best of it all." He leaned back, keeping both arms firmly around her waist.

She automatically leaned back against him, resting on his chest. His heartbeat was steady and calm, soothing to her.
"Right now, I'm still struggling with the thing with Ikuto… and I'll never really forgive myself for it… but I'm still happy and grateful to be a part of your life. To have gotten away from my parents. To be so close to you and for you to be mine… that we're expecting a child together…" He smiled gently and stroked her belly with one hand.

"That seemed completely different yesterday…" she looked at him skeptically.

"I still have to process it all. Also, the thing with Ikuto is just too fresh… that's also the only reason you're still walking, little lady," his tone suddenly became dangerous, and he grinned mischievously. Amu blinked in shock and blushed.

"Why don't you take one of the neighboring rooms?" Yoru threw in with a roll of his eyes, which made Amu even more embarrassed. "With that little shame, I'd rather not be part of this family," of course, he didn't mean it seriously, but these conversations made him uncomfortable.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, you're just upset because you can't go to Miki to gain experience," Tadase grinned cheekily at him, and Yoru turned bright red at the comment, hiding his face behind his hands.

"I would never do that! We're nowhere near that yet!" Finally, he took his blanket, pulled it over himself, and turned away.

Amu and Tadase laughed a little at the situation.
Tadase turned back to Amu and continued. "I'm trying to come to terms with the situation and with myself. Of course, part of me will always wish that it was just the two of us, but he's a part of us now. I really like him, and he's important to me. I'm also worried about him right now… he acts too impulsively… He does what he thinks is best for you and ignores himself…" His gaze shifted briefly to the stairs leading up, accompanied by a deep sigh. "And if he dares to fall in love with her, I'll personally chain him to us."

Amu could hardly believe her ears. Tadase had already said that Nagi belonged to them a few days ago, but the fact that he was warning him not to fall in love, even though he would then have her all to himself, surprised her greatly.

"But… wouldn't it actually be better for him?" She sighed. If Nagi fell in love with Nisha, he could have a normal relationship, assuming Nisha kept her word and wouldn't accept any other man by her side.

"I don't care. He belongs to us. I'm allowed to be selfish every now and then," Tadase shrugged and smiled a little. "No… you're right, but we both know that won't happen."

Amu looked again at the stairs, as if it could reveal to her what was happening up there. "Do we really know that?" She shook her head, shaking off the uncertainty.

Nagi gently placed the fox-girl on the bed and stood for a few moments, helplessly, silently staring at her.
He had no experience with Feralis women. He generally had no experience except with Amu, and he was starting to feel nervous.
/Make it pleasant for her... I... I have no idea how.../ he thought desperately, repeating Amu's request in his mind.

Nisha had pulled her legs to her chest and sighed softly into her knees. Did she really want to go through with this? Why was she going this far for these people? It should be completely irrelevant to her whether they make it to Ifrit or not. If it weren't for Nagi, that is. Her gaze fell on him. She didn't know why, but she had liked him too much from the very first moment, and she wanted to help him.

"Don't drag it out any longer than necessary..." she murmured a little sadly. She didn't know about Amu and Nagi's arrangement and was simply waiting to lose her innocence quickly and without love, forever.
"I... I've never done this before... I won't begin..." Her face turned red, and she turned to the other side, laying her head on her knees, away from Nagi.

However, Nagi still didn't move. He stood there like a statue, unable to function. His heart was racing in his chest. Not from love, but from nervousness and fear. The fear of making a mistake. But he quickly shook off the anxiety. He trusted Amu. If she said it was okay, then it was.

The whole situation was uncomfortable. He didn't want to do something like this with anyone other than Amu, and even though he had her consent, it felt as though a huge invisible wall stood before him.
Amu's words kept echoing in his mind as he ran his fingers through his hair in desperation. This 'make it pleasant for her' felt like a burden, even though he actually agreed with Amu's viewpoint. Nisha was also making sacrifices to help them, and he didn't want to make the sacrifice worse than it had to be.

He nervously bit his lip and breathed quickly. / Always having a big mouth …but now... come on... be a man.../ he thought to himself, sighing.
After a few more moments that felt like an eternity for both of them, Nagi finally gathered his courage and gently pushed her back onto the bed to position himself over her.

Nisha had her eyes tightly shut. She was scared, because if this was just a loveless, quick thing, it would surely hurt. Nagi carefully studied her face, looking at her with sadness, as he saw and felt her fear. Her whole body was tense.
He briefly thought of Tadase's ears and then looked at hers. Soon after, he gently traced the edge of one of her ears with his index finger, slowly.

She trembled beneath him, which he could have easily misinterpreted, but thanks to Tadase, he knew that her body was extremely sensitive to that. And of course, from the brief incident in the afternoon.
His heart was still racing, and his breathing was uneasy. His nervousness was apparent in every part of his body as he slowly moved closer to her neck and kissed it, causing her to flinch.

She remained tense, waiting for the sudden foreign feeling, but it didn't come. Instead, there were only more kisses that spread across her body. She cautiously opened one of her eyes and looked at him. He seemed just as scared as she was. He was gentle and trembling, radiating nervousness. Her other eye opened now too, as her heart gradually pounded faster, and her breath quickened.
Suddenly, she curled up even more. The brief thought that maybe it wouldn't be so bad was quickly overshadowed by the thought that he was probably just playing with her and would start soon.

Nagi noticed the physical reaction and stopped briefly. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked softly, feeling embarrassed.

"Why are you playing with me like this... just do it already..."

Nagi tilted his head slightly. "I... I... am already on it..." The uncertainty overwhelmed him even more. Was this strange? Wasn't this how it was supposed to go? Should he have done more right away?
"...I'm sorry... I have no real experience in this... maybe Amu and I are different in this regard..." He felt bad, as he seemed to be making her feel uncomfortable.

"Oh... I see..." she murmured, embarrassed. "You... you'll get it right..." Shouldn't it already be over by now? She didn't understand.

The lilac-haired boy swallowed and paused, once again frozen in helplessness. What was he supposed to do? What was the right way? He had never felt so unsure. Well... except the first time with Amu. He sighed inwardly. How could he be such an insecure softy in this situation when he was usually so full of self-confidence?

He sat beside her for a while, gently stroking her stomach up and down with his hand. Occasionally, he carefully ran his hand along her thighs. He took as much time as needed, still trying to do everything right.

The fox-girl watched him closely, and her body began to relax on its own from his warm hand. He sat with his back to her and didn't look at her. Did he find her unattractive? She furrowed her brows. No, she couldn't and didn't want to believe that. He was giving her time. He respected her, or at least she wanted to believe that.

"Can... I..." He paused and took a deep breath. "...your... clothes..." He shook his head, feeling like he had given up inside. He couldn't do this. They would be sitting here all night like this. It would have been so much easier if he were doing this just like he did with Amu before, and then it would have been over by now. But now that he had seen her like this, he didn't want to. He couldn't do this to her.

"Don't you just have to move my underwear aside… then in… and then, well, out, and that's it…" she finally said, expressing what she thought would happen.

Nagi sighed heavily and hid his face in his free hand that was resting on his knee, while he continued to stroke her with the other hand. "If that was my plan… I would have done it already…"

She swallowed and didn't understand what was happening. Was this a trick of his? But would he really waste so much time just to hurt her more? He had become so passive. Why was she even having these thoughts? It was Nagi sitting here with her. Nagi. Not one of those arrogant Feralis men. Nagi. Nagi, who had such a pure aura that had immediately captivated her.

He felt her breath calm under his hand, her tense muscles softening. He then turned back to her, seeking her face, which had also become gentler, still nervous, uneasy, and scared but no longer as rigid.

He swallowed and nervously bit his lower lip as he decided to start with his own clothes before touching hers. Maybe it would somehow give her more security.

He took a deep breath and tried to just keep going. Her facial expression didn't change, no matter what he did. She didn't touch him either. He took her hand and placed it on his bare chest.

She felt the fine muscles of his chest beneath her fingers, and she could feel it rise and fall irregularly with each breath. His heart beat so loudly that she could feel every pulse.

When he released her hand to continue with his clothes further down, she pulled her hand back and pressed it firmly against her chest with her other hand. He sighed. He didn't know what else to do to get her out of her stasis. After he had also undressed completely, his face flushed, he finally got a reaction from her, which made him smile a little.

Nisha had briefly glanced down, immediately turning red and covering her face with her hands.

"Are you okay?" Nagi finally asked, not able to see her face under her hands.

Nisha took an audible breath but didn't answer right away. She had expected him to just continue – not that he would treat her so carefully. Not that he really cared about her reaction.

"I… I don't know." Her voice was soft, almost choked. Her ears twitched slightly as she fought against her own thoughts.

Nagi sank back and ran his fingers nervously through his hair. "Nisha… you have to tell me what you need."

She slowly shook her head, her hands still protectively covering her face. "I don't know."

It wasn't even a lie. She didn't know what she was feeling, what to expect, or how she should behave. Her whole body was in turmoil, a mess of fear, shame, and… something else.

Nagi's gaze slid over her tense fingers, then down to her chest, which rose and fell with deep breaths.

He didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to get it right.

Hesitantly, he reached out a hand and placed it gently on her wrists, without applying pressure. "Hey… look at me."

Nisha trembled slightly but slowly lowered her hands. Her cheeks were bright red, her eyes sparkling.

"I…" Her voice broke before she took a deep breath. "You're just… not what I expected."

Nagi smiled faintly, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. "Is that… good or bad?"

She remained silent, looking at him like a helpless doe, though she was the fox. He shook his head and smiled a little again. "Originally, I planned to get it over with as quickly as possible…" he finally admitted.

"Amu asked me not to do it that way, but to make your first time pleasant…" He watched her reaction closely and saw her disappointment. She was sad that it was only because of Amu.

"But… even if she hadn't asked, I would've still made that choice. Your expression… that fear… I could never bring myself to… what did you call it…" He grinned a little and looked at her more intensely. "I wouldn't have just done a simple 'in and out.'" He made air quotes with his fingers as he repeated her term.

She blinked at him for a few moments and then chuckled briefly.

So, she hadn't been wrong about him after all.

Their gazes met and lingered for a moment before he kissed her gently. One of his hands carefully reached for her top and broke the kiss for a moment. "May I?" It wasn't a general question for permission but rather a question of whether this moment was okay, because it had to happen eventually. Her eyes sparkled uncertainly, but she nodded, and Nagi began to remove her clothing.

He kissed her chest gently while one of his hands massaged her fox ear. Her heart beat faster and faster, and he could hear it clearly, so close. The combination of areas he touched caused her to let out a soft sound.

His gaze returned to her face, and he sighed quietly. She looked a little more relaxed now, although the fear was still there, a fear he no longer truly understood, but he would soon ask about it. What troubled him now was that expression. Her whole face was red, she looked sweet, and she gazed at him with love. He knew it, but she hadn't shown it like this before, and he felt bad for not being able to return it.

His hand slowly slid further down, resting briefly on the inside of her thigh.

"Tell me, Nisha, why are you still so scared?"

"Everyone always says that you should think carefully about your first time because it hurts so much…" her ears drooped.

"Everyone?"

"All the men keep telling me that…" She swallowed, and her face became even more fearful.

"Mhh…" He then slowly slid a finger inside her and moved it carefully, causing her to blush even more and twitch. "Nisha, they just want to be the first to take your innocence." He had leaned in close to her ear and whispered this truth to her while adding a second finger after a short time.

"Wha… what are you doing…" She nervously turned under him, extremely embarrassed.

"Making sure it won't hurt later." He kissed her neck and then her mouth before their gazes met once again.

"These men…they want you to be afraid and wait as long as possible."

There was always a pause between these sentences, he took his time and proceeded slowly and carefully.

Another finger, his gaze still on her. "Or does it hurt?"

Her heart skipped a beat, her pelvis contracted involuntarily, and she slowly shook her head while biting her lower lip.

Nagi penetrated a little further, felt the proof of her innocence, and proceeded very cautiously. "Does it hurt?" He kissed her right next to her lips and looked at her intently. She made a soft, nervous, and shy sound of denial.

"Although waiting in itself isn't a bad thing... but this fear they've instilled in you, that is." His voice was just a soft whisper, but she heard him clearly and swallowed nervously.

He carefully broke through the hymen after prolonged gentle manipulation and pulled his fingers out with the blood to lick it off. She flinched a little more strongly, which briefly unsettled Nagi. /Damn.../

But he continued undeterred for the time being. "Did that hurt?"

Another shake of the head. She was captivated by his manner, unable to utter a sound.

Nagi, on the other hand, was relieved, as so far he had managed to avoid causing her pain.

She had no idea how insecure he really was at that moment.

If his plan worked out, he was supposed to seem incredibly seductive, cool, and self-assured, but he was anything but. Amu was no longer a virgin back then, he didn't have to pay attention to anything particularly special. He had absolutely no idea how to make it painless, but so far he seemed to be doing something right.

Nisha, on the other hand, was completely captivated by him. She trusted him blindly at that moment, and with each new thing he did, the fear lessened while her hips moved back and forth in small, gentle circles as if on their own.

He gently bit her neck while slowly inserting four fingers one after the other to stretch her carefully. He brushed against her inside and elicited a soft moan from her, which embarrassed her.

His breath became increasingly unsteady, and he was still nervous despite everything, even though he seemed to have done everything right so far and couldn't go much more wrong. His heart was pounding so hard that he felt like he was about to collapse.

He lifted his head from her neck and looked into her eyes as he placed her hand on his penis shortly after.

Nisha squeaked embarrassed and immediately pulled her hand away to cover her face. Nagi couldn't help but laugh. She spread a few fingers so she could peek through. Her face was glowing.

Nagi shook his head with a grin while she hid behind her hands. "What did you expect? That had to happen eventually."

Nisha mumbled something incomprehensible behind her fingers.

"What?" He leaned closer to her until his lips almost touched her ear. "Say it again."

She flinched, her tail flicking slightly across the blanket. "N-nothing!"

Nagi laughed softly and placed a hand on her waist. "You're really cute, you know that?"

She blinked at him from her hiding place, her heart racing. Her body felt warm. She took a few deep breaths and lowered her hands again. Her ears, however, were still folded down, and her gaze was embarrassed. Suddenly, a small flame flickered in her eyes. She was sure that no one would want her after this.

Not because of the act itself, but because it was with a foreigner who would then leave her. No one would want to be with a Feralis who had her first and only time with a foreigner who then abandoned her, but she was curious, so this was possibly her last chance.

Her ears perked up curiously, but her gaze fell to the side, not meeting Nagi's eyes. "C...can I touch you... I mean... everywhere..." she stammered, embarrassed.

Nagi was surprised by the sudden change of heart and raised an eyebrow. "Yes... of course..." he didn't sound so sure, however, which was because he didn't understand what was happening. He sat up straight so she could come out from under him, so she could move more freely.

Nisha sat on her knees and legs and had her arms pressed together in front of her while nervously looking at the bedspread.

"I... am here... not at that spot you're trying to stare to death, you know that, right?" He blinked at her, puzzled. Had he done something wrong?

But then she slowly and awkwardly moved closer until her knees touched his legs.

She carefully poked his member with her fingertip. "Isn't... that supposed to be... different...?" She blushed even more and continued to stare at where her finger was.

Now Nagi turned bright red and swallowed, embarrassed. "It was just a moment ago too!.. you... you're making me insecure..." he looked to the side, pouting. After all, that was exactly the concern he had mentioned to Amu, but he had managed to get it going. Through her sudden withdrawal and change of mood, she had just unsettled him and caused him to collapse. He sighed.

"Right... it was... so... hard and... bigger before?"

"That happens because of the blood..." he was still extremely red. Why did he have to talk about the state of his penis now?

"Can I really...?"

"Go ahead..."

After all, she was responsible, so she could help now.

She ran a hand over the inside of his thighs, feeling every muscle and examining him with fascination, and even though her fingers were itching, she first thoroughly explored the rest of his body. Her delicate fingers slowly moved up and down his chest and paused at his nipples.

His chest was so different from hers, hard and toned. She gently stroked his nipples, causing him to flinch a little.

He didn't have to ask what she was doing; he understood anyway. She had never seen a man like this before and wanted to know everything, she was curious. Nevertheless, he sighed. Why with him? Why not sometime later with a real partner.

She began to imitate his actions. Kissed his neck, his chest, his cheek. Stroked his arms and legs while one hand rested curiously below, but not idle. She enjoyed gently kneading it, which felt a little strange to him in places, but he tolerated it.

She noticed it starting to twitch and grow and now focused more on it. Her other hand moved further back, gently cupping his testicles. "How extremely different we are there..." she murmured, fascinated.

Nagi raised an eyebrow and sighed, but smiled with a slight shake of his head. "Say... you're already 18, right..." she seemed a little childlike at the moment, this innocent, sincere curiosity.

She blinked at him, confused. "I'm 22... why?"

"2 years older than me and I have to do all the work..," he said incredulously and very surprised. He hadn't expected her to be older.

"You're younger? Are we having a 'collect Feralis taboos' game?" she sighed, but laughed. She couldn't care less about the age, as long as it was within the normal range, of course.

"The man has to be older. You have such an outdated view," he sighed, but that wasn't his problem.

Nisha refocused on his penis, which had grown considerably and was firmly in her hand. She touched the tip several times, causing Nagi to flinch each time, and stroked up and down with her hand. "And that... is supposed to go inside me..." she swallowed a little nervously. How could that not hurt?

Nagi blinked, puzzled, and looked at himself. He was pretty sure he was somewhere around average, maybe a little above, but not like she was making it out to be. He regained control and pushed her back onto the mattress, positioning himself over her. He looked into her face and sighed briefly. Who would have thought, the curious fox turned back into a shy little mouse in no time.

He pouted a little because he had to do some preliminary work with his fingers again, as some time had passed and he wanted to make sure he didn't hurt her. After a few minutes, however, he positioned himself over her pelvis, so close that she could feel him twitching every time, because with every twitch he touched her skin.

"May I...? This... would be the beginning of the actual thing...", after all, the other was a very extended foreplay. Would that be enough already? Did he smell like her? He sighed inwardly, at this point it didn't matter anymore, what would the last step change?

Nisha looked at him silently for a moment. One could see her thinking as she bit her lower lip. She was still a little scared, but Nagi knew that would stop soon unless he messed up.

"It doesn't hurt, I promise," he kissed her gently, and when he finally got a nod, he inserted himself very slowly and very carefully, which was necessary because she was still very tight.

Nisha immediately flinched and clenched the sheets while her breath quickened.

Nagi stopped and looked at her. "Does it hurt?" He could probably save himself the question after her reaction, but he asked anyway.

But to his surprise, she shook her head. "It's... completely new... intense... But…it doesn't hurt..."

He smiled in relief and continued slowly, carefully, and bit by bit until he couldn't go any further. He kept reassuring himself by asking if she was in pain and could feel her tensing around him again and again.

Finally, he started to move slowly back and forth, always watching her face. It was glowing red, but she enjoyed the feeling and massaged her ears a little. Their eyes met, and finally, there was no trace of fear, rather the opposite.

His movements became faster and more intense, and Nisha clung to his back. Occasionally, she bit him on the neck or chest, and not gently. He grimaced a little, but endured it and continued. Her teeth were sharp, and he felt himself bleeding slightly.

Nisha's fingernails dug further into Nagi's back, her hips moving involuntarily with his thrusts. Her breath came in gasps, and she clenched her teeth to keep from screaming. The sensations overwhelmed her, a mixture of pleasure and an unknown, intense feeling that almost frightened her.

Nagi felt her tense and slowed his movements. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable, but he also wanted to get it over with. "Nisha? Are you okay?"

She nodded vigorously without opening her eyes. "Yes... it's just..." She searched for words but found none. "It's so much... more intense than I thought."

He nodded, his eyes on her face. He felt his own climax approaching, the tension in his body growing. His movements became faster, deeper, more instinctive. A groan escaped him as he tensed, his muscles twitching, and he felt a wave of release wash over him. He thrust deep into her, feeling his warmth spread inside her.

Nisha flinched as she felt something warm flow into her. A soft moan escaped her as she contracted around him, her muscles pulsing.

As the waves of ecstasy subsided, Nagi sank onto her, his breath heavy. He stayed inside her for a moment, feeling her warmth envelop him.

After a while, he rolled to the side, but gently pulled her into his arms. He gently stroked her back, feeling her skin tremble under his fingers.

Nisha lay still in his arms, her breath slowly returning to normal. She felt his heart beating against her back, and the warmth of his body enveloped her.

"Thank you," she whispered softly.

Nagi nodded, his voice hoarse. "No problem."

He knew it was more than that, but he didn't know what to say. He didn't want to hurt her, but he also didn't want to give her false hope.

They lay there silently for a while, the silence between them not uncomfortable. Eventually, they fell asleep, their bodies pressed close together.

During the night, Nagi woke up several times, each time feeling Nisha move in his arms. He held her close, gently stroked her back, and whispered soothing words in her ear. He wanted her to feel safe, even though he knew he couldn't give her what she really wanted.