Han Shān did not like the village gossip.
Normally, the stoic Snow Leopard ignored the whispers of the Thousand Fang Tribe. He preferred the quiet solitude of the snowy peaks or the focused rhythm of a hunt. But today, the rumors spreading through the clearing were entirely impossible to ignore.
She fought a Swamp Hydra.
She tamed a Dragon.
The Fox Lord carried her away.
Han Shān tightened his grip on the woven basket of frost-berries he had spent the entire afternoon gathering. Beside him, little Ruì Xuě tugged impatiently at his father's massive hand, his fluffy white tail swishing back and forth.
"Father, hurry!" Ruì Xuě chirped, his purple eyes bright. "Miao Miao said Mama is back! She didn't get eaten by the monkeys!"
