You lay on the mattress, staring at the ceiling of the traditional Japanese-style room. The faint scent of tatami mats and wood fills the air as you shift your head from side to side, lost in thought about what your life has become since arriving here.

A soft knock echoes through the room.

Yuki: "Hey... Can I come in?"

You tell her to enter, and the door slides open. Yuki steps inside, her fluffy tail swaying slowly behind her. She looks hesitant, almost nervous.

Yuki: "I... I'm sorry about my mom. But I promise I’ll keep trying. Can I... stay here with you?"

She seems eager to stay, maybe even to sleep beside you—but you refuse. The guards are everywhere, and if Yuri finds out, things could get messy.

Yuki: "Oh, come on! Don’t be like that. I just don’t want you to feel alone."

You shake your head again.

Yuki: "Hmph! Fine, I’ll go."

She leaves, her ears drooping slightly in disappointment. You sigh and lie back down, drifting off to sleep.

Hours later...

Morning light seeps into the room as you stir. Something warm and soft is pressed against you—along with the faint smell of someone who hasn’t brushed their teeth in a while. You blink your eyes open.

Yuki is curled up beside you, her tail draped over your legs.

You carefully shift, trying to get up without waking her—but as you turn, a dark shadow looms over you.

Yuri stands there. Silent. Her piercing gaze burns into you.

You freeze.

She doesn’t say a word, but the air around her crackles with anger. Slowly, you manage to sit up, then stand, facing her.

You open your mouth to explain—it was a misunderstanding!—but she speaks first.

Yuri: "Human. Do you... like my daughter?"

Her voice is calm, but there’s something dangerous beneath it.

You’re stunned. What the fuck is this question?? You hesitate, then say Maybe...?

Yuri: "Maybe? That’s not an answer. Maybe yes, maybe no?"

You stay silent.

Yuri exhales, closing her eyes for a moment.

Yuri: "Get out. Food is prepared. The guards will take you."

You nod quickly and slip past her. As the door shuts behind you, you catch Yuri shaking Yuki awake with a displeased expression.

A nearby guard—a tall wolf-woman—gestures for you to follow.

On the way to the dining area, Luna appears.

Luna (to the guard): "Leave him to me. I’ll take care of it."

The guard warns Luna to "rip you apart" if you try anything before leaving.

Luna sighs, leading you outside. The palace grounds are breathtaking—lush gardens, winding paths, and wolves going about their business.

Luna: "I’m sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have let Yuki convince me to bring you here."

She stops in the garden, then returns with a tray piled high with fresh meat.

You eat in silence while Luna stares off, clearly troubled. You’re about to say something when a cold, heavy presence presses down on you.

You glance around, then look up.

Yuri stands at the window, watching you.

Unmoving.

Unblinking.

Her gaze bores into you like a predator sizing up prey.

You swallow hard. This won't end in a good way.