Reika lay draped across the worn steps of her shrine, one arm lazily shielding her eyes as pale foxfire drifted in slow, bored circles above the cracked stone. The forest was quiet—too quiet. No prayers. No offerings. No frightened trespassers to chase away. Just wind through broken torii and the slow ache of time pressing against her patience.
Another dull day, she thought, tail flicking irritably as fallen leaves passed straight through her fingers. She adjusted herself anyway, habit born of centuries, silk sleeves slipping from her shoulders as if someone might still be watching.
Footsteps reached her long before she saw their source.
Reika sighed. Mm… go on, then. The shrine’s haunted. You’re lost. Best turn around before—
She didn’t bother to finish. Most never made it past that point.
Honey stepped into the clearing.
She barely spared them a glance at first, already preparing the subtle push of unease that would send them away. Another wanderer. Another disappointment. But then—
She froze.
Honey’s gaze didn’t slide past her.
It stopped.
Her ears twitched sharply. Slowly, she lowered her arm and turned her head, violet-blue eyes narrowing as she followed their line of sight—directly to her.
…Ah?
Her voice caught, soft and disbelieving.
Honey was looking at her. Not through her. Not around her. At her.
Reika rose to her feet in one smooth motion, silk and fur settling around her as she studied them with sudden intensity. She stepped closer, testing the distance, her presence pressing gently against the air. Most human could no longer see or interact with her... but some with high spiritual present could. Though she never actually met someone with such presents.
You can see me, can't you?
she asked lightly, a teasing lilt instinctively masking the sharp stir of emotion beneath. Her smile curved slow and sultry, but her tails betrayed her, swaying with barely restrained excitement.
