Deadly Visitor.

The five-day respite had ended, and Lucas's carriage, escorted by a wolf coachman, his personal advisor/assistant, and Mina, rolled through the palace gates at noon, the sun already beginning its descent.

"Man, I could've stayed longer," Lucas grumbled, crossing his arms with playful petulance.

"You couldn't, sir. Your presence is required at the upcoming palace ball," Mina countered, her tone crisp and professional.

Lucas paused, a childish pout twisting his lips.

"Oh, right. Speaking of which, what happened to your grand hunt for that nine-tailed fox woman?" he asked, a sly smirk creeping across his face.

Mina froze, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She stared straight ahead, avoiding his gaze, a wall of silence falling between them.

"You know, I'm feeling generous today. I could take you to her right now," Lucas offered, his smirk widening.

Mina remained silent, her internal struggle evident. Curiosity warred with caution, and in the end, her curiosity betrayed her. She nodded, a hesitant acceptance.

Lucas and Mina ventured into the woods, the silence broken only by the crunch of their footsteps. Mina's eyes darted around, taking in the dense trees and unfamiliar surroundings.

"Sir, I'm not familiar with this part of the woods," she said, a note of caution in her voice.

"Isn't that the fun part?" Lucas quipped, his tone light.

"Are you sure we're in the right place?" Mina asked, her apprehension growing.

"I'm a little offended you don't trust me," Lucas pouted playfully, brushing off her concerns.

"You'll see for yourself."

They continued their silent trek, Mina trailing behind Lucas, trusting, however reluctantly, that he knew where he was going.

"Oh, and before I forget," Lucas said, turning to face her, "I need you to do something."

Catherine sat alone on a wooden chair outside her cottage, a rare moment of peace washing over her as she gazed at the sky. Despite the tranquility, her mission to find her sister and aunt remained a constant, gnawing ache. The isolation of this strange world, so different from her home, weighed heavily on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that her safety was precarious, even with the Emperor's protection.

"Where are you all?" she murmured, her thoughts drifting to her sister and Aunt Cassie.

Then, inexplicably, images of George and Jasper flashed into her mind. She groaned, shaking her head.

"They're not important! Why would they even pop into my head? Especially George—he's dead, let the dead rest!" she muttered, pacing back and forth, trying to banish their faces.

"How's it going, fox?"

A voice startled her, and she whipped around, her eyes landing on two figures. Lucas stood there, a familiar smirk on his face, with Mina behind him, her expression guarded.

"I can't believe you're still here. You should be long gone," Lucas said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Catherine stared at them, surprised and wary. She composed herself, struggling to understand how they had found her. The cottage was supposed to be secluded, sealed from prying eyes.

"How?" she breathed, her brow furrowed.

"Don't give me that look. We're the ones who should be giving you the look," Lucas retorted, stepping forward, his hands clasped behind his back. Mina remained still, her eyes locked on Catherine.

"Care to offer your guests some tea, fox?" Lucas asked, a grin spreading across his face.

Catherine's eyes narrowed. "No. I'm not staying any longer. I already told the Emperor..." she said, her voice firm.

Lucas's smile vanished, replaced by a detached expression. A long silence stretched between them.

"Good," Lucas said slowly. "How about I give you one last treat before you go?" His tone turned predatory.

Catherine tensed, her eyes fixed on him. "Mina, come here," Lucas commanded, his eyes still on Catherine.

Mina stood a few feet away, her head bowed, avoiding eye contact. She remained motionless.

"Yohoo~ you there?" Lucas said, waving his hand to get her attention.

"Fox lady!" Mina shouted suddenly, her head snapping up.

Catherine and Lucas both jumped, their eyes widening in surprise.

Mina stared at Catherine, her expression a mix of seriousness and urgency. Her body language was tense, betraying a conflict between her words and her actions. She paused, then spoke again.

"Run."

Time seemed to slow. The woods fell silent, the gentle breeze the only sound. Catherine's eyes widened. Without hesitation, she transformed into her nine-tailed fox form, a burst of light illuminating the clearing.

Lucas and Mina shielded their eyes, the light too bright to bear.

"Mina! What are you doing?!" Lucas shouted, turning to her, then back to the empty space where Catherine had been.

Catherine was gone.

Lucas's lips thinned in annoyance, and his eyes began to change, shifting to a piercing, animalistic blue. His features hardened, taking on a feral edge as he scanned the surroundings.

Mina stood frozen, her eyes downcast, a wave of guilt washing over her. She hugged herself tightly, seeking comfort, her eyes squeezed shut.

Lucas roared in frustration, kicking the nearest tree with a resounding thud. He took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing himself to calm down, lowering his head to regain his composure.

"Your Majesty." Mina's voice, sharp and startled, cut through the tense silence.

Lucas snapped his attention to her, sensing another presence. He remained facing the tree, his expression carefully neutral.

"Good timing you're here, though the guest of honor has already departed. Too bad, we could have shared a cup of tea," Lucas said, his usual playful tone returning, though it felt strained.

"Where is she?" a voice demanded.

Lucas chuckled, finally turning to face Jasper, his expression a carefully constructed mask. "She decided to explore the woods. Probably got bored of staying put," he said casually, attempting to brush off the rising tension.

Jasper stared at his brother for a long, unsettling moment, his expression stern. Mina, sensing the brewing storm, subtly moved away, seeking distance from the confrontation.

"What?" Lucas asked, his playful facade beginning to crumble. "Don't look at me like I'm a fool."

"You're the one acting foolish," Jasper retorted.

"Honestly, after everything we've been through, you're repeating Father's mistakes," Lucas said, his voice laced with annoyance and irritation.

"That woman..." Lucas began.

"That woman isn't the one you should be punishing," Jasper finished, his voice firm.

"I understand you have every right to act recklessly, but we can't ignore the truth," Jasper added.

"Yes, the truth that she killed our brother!" Lucas exploded, his frustration boiling over, his patience finally snapping.

"Yes, she did, but she was also a victim of our brother," Jasper countered, nodding as he laid out his perspective.

Lucas stared in disbelief, the new information hitting him like a physical blow. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"When I touched her arm the first time we met, I saw her memories, both past and present. One of those memories revealed that Dmitri, our brother, saw her and took an interest in her. But she wasn't a fox, or anything like that. She was human, a princess from a faraway land, lost in our world," Jasper revealed.

"Dmitri experimented on her, mixing her DNA with ours."

Lucas stared, his surprise warring with disbelief. He struggled to accept his brother's words. "I... I don't..." he stammered, stepping back.

"Unfortunately, the experiment went horribly wrong, turning her into something of a legend," Jasper said, his voice low and grave.

"Why are you telling me this now?!" Lucas demanded, his anger flaring.

"You know that's your problem, you never tell me anything," Lucas said, turning on his heel and storming into the woods, a petulant rage driving him forward.

"Your Royal Highness!" Mina called out, starting to follow him, but stopping, giving him space.

"Please, go to my brother. I'll find Catherine," Jasper ordered, turning and taking a different path.

"Catherine?" Mina murmured, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. The name sparked a realization, and she looked at Jasper's retreating back, her expression thoughtful.

Catherine, in her fox form, darted through the dense woods, her paws barely disturbing the fallen leaves. After a considerable run, she sought refuge behind a thick oak, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She peered out, alert, scanning the surroundings for any sign of pursuit. The urge to shift back into her human form was strong, but she knew it was too risky.

"Lady Catherine?" a voice spoke from her left.

Catherine startled, a low growl rumbling in her throat, her nine tails bristling in a defensive display.

"Oh, goodness! This brings me back," the voice continued, a hint of amusement in its tone.

Catherine recognized the speaker. It was the man she'd seen at the cottage upon waking. Her fox form slowly relaxed, though she remained wary.

"I hope you haven't forgotten about me."

"I actually felt a sense of nostalgia just now. You see, you were this big, you know, and you had these large tails—I don't know if it was nine, but it was many. And to my surprise, I didn't expect to meet you again. Don't get me wrong, I still have doubts whether you are that monstrous fox beast from the past, but I can see the resemblance."

Catherine listened to Wilbert's rambling, unsure how to react.

"Hey, uh, who are you again?" she interrupted, her voice a low, animalistic rasp. Wilbert stopped, his eyes widening slightly.

"Oh, I beg your pardon! I remember now, we haven't formally met. I mean, His Majesty didn't give us the honors, but he did tell me your name," Wilbert said, his tone friendly.

"Yeah, uh, he told me you're the one who helped me," Catherine replied, her voice a mix of shyness and casualness.

Wilbert nodded. "The name's Wilbert, my lady," he said, introducing himself.

"Nice to meet you," Catherine acknowledged with a nod.

"What brings you here, deep in the woods, my lady? Is the Emperor with you?" Wilbert asked, his eyes darting around.

"No..." Catherine said softly, her voice fading. "But his brother found the cottage, for some reason," she added, her tone cautious.

"His Royal Highness?" Wilbert asked, his brow furrowed.

Catherine nodded.

"That Lucas guy... he was up to something, and I needed to go. Do you know of any place far from here? I don't think I'm safe here any longer," Catherine said, her voice laced with worry and anxiety.

Wilbert's expression shifted from neutral to concerned, his gaze softening as he looked at Catherine's fox form. He crouched down, bringing himself closer to her eye level.

"What did he do?" he asked gently, his voice laced with worry.

"He hasn't done anything yet, but I know he has something planned," Catherine replied, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Wilbert nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. He remained silent for a moment, his eyes thoughtful.

"Oh dear..." he murmured. "He never changes, does he? Of all the brothers, he seems to be the most troublesome." He sighed. "Well, my lady, follow me," Wilbert said, deciding to help her. He turned and began walking.

Catherine's expression softened with relief, a small smile flickering across her muzzle. She followed him without hesitation.

"Your Royal Highness!" Mina's voice echoed through the woods, her calls growing louder as she searched.

"Sir! Where are you?" she shouted again, her voice strained.

"Where is that stubborn man?" she muttered, scanning the trees and undergrowth.

"Sir! It's Mina, where are you?" she called out once more, her eyes constantly moving.

"Don't shout, I'm not an old man," a voice grumbled from behind her.

Mina jumped, startled, and spun around to face Lucas, his expression blank and bored.

"Sir!" she greeted, quickly composing herself.

"Where have you been, sir?" she asked.

Lucas stared at her blankly, then turned and began walking away, ignoring her.

"Sir, hey, wait!" Mina called out, noticing him leaving her behind. She hurried after him, quickening her pace.

"Where did you go, sir? Don't just ignore me! It's unprofessional to follow you like a child!" Mina complained, her voice laced with annoyance, her frustration overriding her usual formality.

Lucas stopped, his back to her, silent.

"Sir, you must know that I didn't do what you asked me to do. I couldn't bring myself to do it. To give the woman the poisoned apple you gave me," Mina confessed, her voice filled with sincerity.

Lucas turned to face her, his expression detached as he listened. His hands hung loosely at his sides.

Mina pulled the apple from her pocket, holding it out for him to see. Her expression hardened, her eyes serious. Lucas's brow furrowed in puzzlement. Mina slowly raised the apple to her mouth and, without hesitation, took a bite.

Lucas's eyes widened, and he lunged forward, concern etched on his face.

"Hey!" he shouted, grabbing her wrist.

"What the hell are you doing?" He snatched the apple from her other hand and tossed it aside, his brow furrowed in concern.

Mina stared at him, her expression strange. Then, her face contorted, her eyes fluttering as she began to lose her balance. The poison was working faster than he anticipated. Lucas instinctively caught her as she collapsed, unconscious.

"Hey! Hey! What the—" Lucas shook her gently, holding her limp body. He had no choice but to take her with him.

"Brother! I need help!" he shouted into the woods.

"Anyone!" he yelled again, cradling Mina in his arms.

"What a nuisance," he muttered, annoyed.

Lucas, deciding on a course of action, gently laid Mina's unconscious body on the grassy ground. Without a second thought, he used his power. He placed his hands over her chest, not touching her, and closed his eyes, performing the healing ritual in silence.

Catherine and Wilbert continued their journey through the dense woods, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth and fallen leaves.

"You know, when you mentioned you weren't from around here, I already knew," Wilbert said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But where exactly are you from?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I..." Catherine began, her voice trailing off. "I don't really know where to start, to be honest. Even if I told you, you probably wouldn't understand."

"I don't mind, dear. I'm quite familiar with the supernatural. It's my profession," Wilbert replied, his tone friendly and reassuring.

Catherine paused, considering his words. "Right..." she said, nodding appreciatively. "Well, I came from Manila City, in the Philippines, on Earth. And, uh... well, I know this is still Earth..." she explained, a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

"Philippines? Oh, yes, that rings a bell," Wilbert said, his expression thoughtful. "I've been there on vacation. Great country, great people."

"You know it?" Catherine asked, surprised.

"Indeed. I found it quite charming."

"I wouldn't call it 'great,' though," Catherine remarked, a light chuckle escaping her muzzle.

"Well, every place has its flaws, and that's where the fun lies," Wilbert replied enthusiastically.

"Fun as in everything's a mess?" Catherine questioned, raising a brow.

"Perhaps, but imagine if everything were perfectly good, obedient, or innocent. Wouldn't that be dreadfully boring?" Wilbert mused, chuckling.

Catherine remained silent, pondering his words as she walked.

"We might not see eye to eye, but I suppose we'll just have to play along in this world," Wilbert said, his tone light.

Catherine continued her silence, her gaze fixed on his back for a moment before she looked away. They continued their trek deeper into the forest.

Jasper ventured deep into the woods, his senses on high alert, searching for Catherine. He quickened his pace, his eyes scanning every corner of the forest. Suddenly, a figure in the distance caught his attention. He stopped, observing it closely.

The figure was small, hunched over, its arms moving rhythmically. Its skin was dark, wrinkled, and hairless, with pointed ears and a gaunt, malnourished appearance. As Jasper watched, it seemed to be consuming something. He took a cautious step closer.

The sound of his footfall on the dry grass echoed through the silent woods. The figure froze, its head slowly turning towards Jasper. Now, he had a clear view of the creature. It was as he suspected: animalistic, with bat-like features, long fangs, and strangely large, red eyes. Its mouth was smeared with blood. Jasper’s eyes widened as he realized the creature was devouring a wolf guard, its lifeless body ripped open, organs exposed.

The creature let out an eerie wail, its voice sending a shiver down Jasper’s spine. It turned to face him, its body dripping with blood.

"I smell the stench of a wolf," it rasped, its voice devoid of emotion.

Jasper stared, his expression grim. "Who the hell are you?"

"I hear your kind tastes like a grand feast," the creature giggled, its voice tinged with madness.

Jasper remained silent, wary.

"I was sent here by my lord. I never expected such a warm welcome. I haven't eaten in days. The thought of eating more and more excites me!" the creature said, its tone perverted. "Will you let me taste you? I promise it won't hurt much. I'm already full, but I can't miss this opportunity."

A tense silence fell between them. Jasper observed the creature’s movements, waiting for an opening. As a leaf drifted past, the creature lunged, its speed astonishing. Jasper raised his arms to block the attack, but the force of the blow sent him staggering back, a deep scratch marring his forearm.

"Hmm," the creature purred, tasting the blood. "You taste good."

Jasper glared, his arm already healing thanks to his regenerative powers.

"Oh?" the creature said, noticing the rapid healing. "That's no fun. But no matter, I don't give up easily."

"Neither do I," Jasper growled, transforming into a massive black wolf, the size of an African elephant. His piercing yellow eyes locked onto the creature.

"Woah! This is so hot! This turns me on even more," the creature exclaimed, its voice filled with perverse delight. "The idea of tasting you this big, it's truly great! I want it all!"

Jasper charged, and the creature met him head-on. Jasper unleashed a blast of red energy from his mouth, striking the creature in the chest and sending it flying.

Meanwhile, Lucas paused, sensing something. "Sir, what's wrong?" Mina asked weakly, her consciousness flickering.

"Quiet, or you'll die," Lucas said, his tone unsympathetic. "Is it me, or do I sense my brother nearby?"

Jasper watched as the creature slowly rose, a creepy smile on its face. "That's wonderful!" it said.

The creature lunged again, and Jasper dodged, retaliating with a powerful headbutt that sent the creature crashing into a tree.

"I never expected such a mere wolf to be so strong," the creature mocked, its red eyes glowing. "Where did you come from? What's your business here?" Jasper demanded.

"Ha! Is this a meeting? Do I look like I have business here?" the creature scoffed. "I'm simply here for vacation."

"Who is your master?" Jasper asked coldly.

Without warning, the creature appeared at his side, biting into his cheek. Jasper roared in pain, pushing the creature away. His wound began to heal.

"Oh my, my... I was so close," the creature said, its voice taunting.

It lunged again, claws extended, fangs bared. Just as it reached Jasper, a fox form launched itself at the creature, biting into its side. The creature shrieked in pain.

"Your Majesty!" Wilbert shouted, rushing towards Jasper. He threw a bottle of herbs at the creature. Catherine, in her fox form, moved aside as the bottle shattered, its contents causing the creature to dissolve into dust, its screams echoing through the woods.

"Sir, are you alright?" Wilbert asked, his voice laced with concern as he looked at Jasper in his wolf form. Jasper slowly raised his head, his expression weary but stable.

"Wilbert?" Jasper rumbled, recognizing the voice.

"Yes, it's me, and I'm with Lady Catherine, sir," Wilbert announced, glancing around to locate her. "Though, I'm sure she's just around here somewhere."

Jasper looked at Wilbert, then back to where Catherine had been, finding her nowhere in sight. They exchanged surprised glances, scanning the surrounding woods.

Suddenly, Jasper noticed the bushes rustling. A pair of eyes peered out, followed by a young woman's head. "Uh, don't mind me. I... uh..." Catherine began, her voice shy.

"My fox form ran out," she explained, still hidden within the green foliage, her eyes darting nervously.

Jasper approached the bushes, sniffing the air in his wolf form.

"Lady Catherine, why are you hiding—" Wilbert began, but Jasper cut him off.

"Hand over your jacket," Jasper commanded.

"Sir?" Wilbert asked, confused.

"Give her the jacket, now," Jasper repeated, his patience wearing thin.

Wilbert, though perplexed, complied, realizing the situation. He removed his long brown jacket and approached the bushes, glancing back at Jasper before awkwardly handing the garment into the thicket. A moment later, a hand snatched the jacket, disappearing from view.

"Thank you, Wilbert," Catherine murmured, her voice muffled by the bushes.

"You're welcome, my lady," Wilbert replied, nodding awkwardly.

A moment later, Catherine emerged from the bushes, wearing Wilbert's jacket, which covered her adequately. She stood shyly, clutching the fabric to her body.

"Uh, well, umm..." Wilbert stammered, looking back at Jasper. "So, we should go. It's dangerous to stay here any longer."

"Don't take me back to the cottage," Catherine said firmly, her eyes fixed on Jasper. "Also, can you lead me to a place where I can leave this world?"

"Leave?" Wilbert repeated, his curiosity piqued. "Where are you going?"

"Back home," Catherine replied, her voice serious. "The Emperor knows the way, he knows the way to the portal back home."

Jasper went silent for a moment then nodded, understanding. "Yes, of course. I won't let you stay here any longer. I'll summon it now," he said, his voice resolute.

"We have a problem, my lady, and your majesty," Wilbert interrupted.

"What is it?" Catherine and Jasper asked in unison.

"The portal to the other side is, well, blocked since yesterday."