The fox's body finished reforming around the blade, its yellow eyes wide with shock.
It tried to dissolve again.
But it couldn't.
The sword was pinning it in place, nailing it to the forest floor like a specimen in a display case.
Larix let out a choked whimper, its legs kicking weakly as blood pooled around its head.
Musashi released the sword, leaving it embedded in the fox's skull.
Then he moved.
Fast.
He crossed the distance to Omar in three long strides, his short sword still gripped firmly in his right hand. The blade came up, stopping just inches from Omar's throat.
Omar froze, his eyes wide.
"Call it back," Musashi said quietly. "Or I finish this."
Omar's hands trembled. "I... I can't. It's pinned—"
"Then dismiss it," Musashi interrupted. "Now."
Omar's jaw worked silently for a moment. Then, with shaking hands, he made the gesture. The summoning seal on his wrist flared briefly, and Larix dissolved into smoke—this time permanently, returning to the seal.
