The morning after the attack dawned quietly over Whistlehollow, sunlight draping the village in soft, amber hues. Villagers moved about slowly, repairing broken stalls and splintered benches, restoring what they could after yesterday's chaos. Near the old maple, Aleron sat with Corvin and Eira, quietly picking splinters out of wooden benches while pretending the taste of peach slices still resembled celebration. In his lap, Sakura curled contentedly, nine tails flicking gently whenever hammers struck nearby.
God's Whisper chimed gently in Aleron's mind:
[Battle Logged]
[Reward Granted: Foxfire Blink (Rank F)]
[Core Recovery Boost: +12%]
[New Quest: Forge Familiar Contract—Seven Days Remaining]
A faint spark of silver danced briefly over his fingertips as the new spell integrated, fading softly away.
Aleron's eyes lifted at the sound of approaching footsteps. Rina limped through the village gate, armor scuffed and bandages freshly wrapped. Even in her battered state, the mere sight of her presence brought warmth and reassurance. Sakura perked up immediately, tails fluttering with soft pink embers of excitement.
"Mother," Aleron breathed, rising quickly and stepping forward.
Rina smiled gently, kneeling down with a quiet wince as she cupped his cheek. "We need to talk, my foxling."
The seriousness in her tone made him hesitate. He swallowed. "What's wrong?"
She glanced around briefly, voice lowering. "Last night forced my hand. Secrets must be told." She drew a careful breath. "I served Queen Lysaria of Velmora. The night the palace burned, assassins bearing the Creator's masks flooded the halls. Amid fire and screams, the King placed an infant—you—in my arms and ordered me to flee. He called you a blessing he could no longer protect."
Aleron felt his knees weaken slightly, his throat tightening. "Why…why would he give me up?"
Her eyes softened further, tears glistening. "Because the Cult's blades follow royal bloodlines relentlessly. If I remain here, they'll keep coming until Whistlehollow becomes ashes."
Corvin stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Aleron's shoulder, letting calm reassurance flow gently through their shared empathy. Eira stood silently, gripping her staff firmly as though daring any enemy to appear.
"So you're leaving," Aleron whispered painfully.
Rina nodded gently, pressing an old leather journal into his hands. "Seven days, Aleron. My notes on summoning are here. Study them carefully and bind Sakura fully. She'll need your strength."
"I can go with you!" he said impulsively.
Rina shook her head firmly. "My familiars, Onyx, Dusklight, and Emberfang, still heal from battle. I must search for clues to find the Queen. When I do, the Cult will chase me, drawing them away from you. Stay here, train hard, and protect each other."
Aleron blinked back tears. "Pr