I woke that morning with the familiar stiffness of muscles I had pushed too far the previous day. The inn near the guild was quiet, a soft golden light spilling through the window. For once, the world outside seemed almost peaceful. I had rested, eaten, and allowed the soreness to fade. Now it was time to return home—to the Emerald residence, far from the bustle of the city and the guild.
I stood by the carriage, checking my gear one last time. Sylas hovered nearby, still adjusting to his presence as my contracted spirit. Orielle's fiery hair caught the morning light, her golden eyes scanning the surroundings with that usual sharp focus, while Yuki, tiny and white-furred, wriggled impatiently on my shoulder. Lumiel, with his serious priestly air, had bowed respectfully and departed early to attend urgent matters at the church.
"Are you ready, Shellia?" Sylas asked softly, his voice carrying through my mind.
[Yuki: We're ready, Lady Shellia. The journey will be peaceful today.]
[Orielle: Don't forget, Shellia. Even a peaceful road can hold danger.]
I chuckled softly and climbed into the carriage, the wooden wheels groaning as it rolled forward. The road was long, winding through the forested paths that separated the guild from the Emerald estate. The smell of pine and wet earth filled the morning air, and the rhythmic rocking of the carriage was almost hypnotic. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax, enjoying the calm after so many battles.
Yet fate has a way of interrupting peace.
Not long after we left the main road, a figure appeared in the distance. At first, I thought it was a traveler, perhaps another adventurer, but the figure moved oddly. As we drew closer, I realized it was a young woman—appearing no older than sixteen—with fox-like ears and a tail tucked tightly behind her. Her posture was hunched, and every step she took seemed to cause her pain.
I squinted at her, frowning. "Again…" I muttered under my breath. Corruption.
[Yuki: Lady Shellia… she's corrupted. I can sense it.]
[Orielle: By the looks of it, not fully aggressive yet. She's in pain.]
I nodded. The carriage slowed, and I urged the driver to halt. The woman sank to the ground, clutching her chest. Her eyes glimmered with desperation, a faint crimson hue like the residue of demonic influence. She whispered hoarsely, barely audible.
"Help… help me…"
I sighed and stepped down from the carriage. Sylas followed immediately, hovering slightly in front of me. I studied him for a moment, curiosity flickering. His expression remained calm, but I asked anyway, "Sylas, is she… a spirit?"
[Sylas: No. She's a living being, but corrupted by demon power.]
I knelt a few feet away from her, letting my gaze assess her form. She wasn't armored or wielding a weapon. Her clothes were ragged and dirtied, and her slender frame suggested weakness rather than training. Her furred ears and tail were matted with grime, and around her neck was a simple metal collar—the unmistakable mark of a slave.
I frowned. "A slave…" I muttered softly. My fingers brushed the collar, and without hesitation, I purified it, releasing its hold. The chains snapped quietly, and the weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. Yet she didn't run or flee. Instead, she looked up at me with wide eyes, vulnerability and hope mixed into one.
"Please… may I go with you?" she whispered, voice trembling.
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I have no one," she admitted, her fox tail curling tightly around her legs. "No home, no family. If you let me, I will serve you. I want… to help."
I studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. You can come with us. But I warn you, my path is dangerous."
She nodded eagerly, as if the danger itself didn't matter. "I understand, Lady Shellia. I will do my best."
I extended my hand, and she took it, her touch soft yet surprisingly warm. She looked almost fragile, but I sensed a potential energy within her—something primal, waiting to be refined. Sylas tilted his head slightly, studying her, and then spoke.
[Sylas: She is not a spirit. But her instincts… her body is capable of enhancements beyond normal humans. She is half-human, half-beast.]
[Orielle: Interesting. That explains the endurance in her movements, even under corruption.]
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, her corruption was strong, but your purification has stabilized her. She will recover completely.]
I smiled faintly. "Good. Then we move forward. You'll need training if you want to keep up."
The girl, whom I learned was named Kaelin, nodded solemnly. Her fox ears twitched as she adjusted to her new surroundings. I could see a glimmer of relief mixed with determination in her eyes. For a moment, she seemed almost human again, not just a victim of circumstance.
As we continued our journey, the carriage rolling steadily along the road, I kept my gaze ahead. The Emerald estate was still far, and there was time to think. Kaelin rode quietly at my side, still unsure of her place. I glanced at Sylas, floating slightly above her.
[Sylas: She will be useful. Her hybrid nature allows physical enhancements. With guidance, she can become formidable.]
[Orielle: Yes, but don't underestimate her potential.]
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, she can also sense our spiritual energy now. She will respond to our presence.]
I nodded. "Good. Then she will learn quickly. She'll need to keep up."
The rest of the journey was quiet, punctuated by the occasional chirp of birds or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Kaelin remained silent, perhaps in awe, perhaps in fear. Sylas hovered near the front of the carriage, watching the road with a quiet vigilance. Orielle's golden eyes scanned constantly, fiery and unyielding even in the calm. Yuki, content on my shoulder, occasionally squeaked softly as if commenting on the scenery.
We reached the outskirts of the Emerald estate by evening. The grand gates loomed ahead, familiar and reassuring, yet the recent events made them feel different. I had changed; the world had changed. Kaelin, now seated inside the carriage, peered nervously at the manor in the distance.
"Are… are there really no demons here?" she asked, voice small.
I chuckled faintly. "Not at the moment. But we can never be completely sure. Stay alert."
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, our presence alone can keep minor threats at bay.]
[Sylas: And Orielle and I will monitor for anything larger.]
[Orielle: Don't worry about me, I can handle myself.]
The carriage rumbled through the estate gates. Servants and guards bowed instinctively as we passed, recognizing my family crest and my presence. For Kaelin, it was a new world, and I could see the awe in her eyes. I didn't speak much, letting the ride give her time to absorb it all.
Finally, we arrived at the main residence. The gardens were meticulously maintained, the air fragrant with evening blooms. I stepped out first, helping Kaelin from the carriage. The young fox-girl's ears twitched nervously, but she followed my lead.
[Welcome home, Lady Shellia] Sylas said softly.
[Yuki: Welcome home, Lady Shellia. Kaelin, this is your new home for now.]
[Orielle: Don't get lost, little one. Stick close.]
Kaelin nodded obediently. "Thank you, Lady Shellia."
I allowed a small smile. "You're welcome. But remember, this is not just a home. It's a place to grow, to train, and to learn your limits."
She looked at me earnestly. "I understand."
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the estate. Guards, servants, and even a few family members came to observe our return, murmuring among themselves about the strange fox-girl now accompanying me. But I didn't care. Kaelin had found her first chance at freedom, and she had chosen to follow me. That alone was enough.
I led the way into the estate, and Kaelin followed closely. The spirits hovered around me, offering silent support and a sense of security. Sylas remained at my side, his pale blue eyes scanning the estate as if ensuring no hidden threat lingered. Orielle's fiery presence burned brightly, almost like a lantern, lighting the way through the shadows of evening. Yuki, ever faithful, twitched his nose and squeaked softly from my shoulder.
Inside, Kaelin's relief was visible. She had known only chains and fear before, and now she stepped into halls of warmth and safety. I guided her to a guest room, giving her space to adjust while we spoke quietly.
"You'll need to rest, Kaelin," I said. "Training will begin soon, but first, recover fully."
She bowed. "Yes, Lady Shellia. Thank you."
[Sylas: You have potential. Use your body well.]
[Orielle: Yes, we'll help guide you.]
[Yuki: And Lady Shellia will teach you how to focus your energy.]
I nodded, watching the gratitude and determination in her eyes. For once, I felt a small flicker of hope—not just for me, but for the girl at my side. She had chosen to step into a world of danger willingly, and that choice meant something.
That night, as I finally rested in my room, I thought about the path ahead. Kaelin, though young and inexperienced, could become a powerful ally. Sylas, now purified and loyal, would guide and support. Orielle and Yuki, always steadfast, would remain by my side. And I, Shellia Emerald, would lead.
The weight of being the Spirit Beloved no longer felt suffocating. Instead, it was a mantle I would carry with care, guiding those who chose to follow me and protecting those who could not protect themselves.
Outside, the night was calm