Reon had gone all out, crafting a feast with the tender meat of the Shadow Claw Bear and the Ironclaw Direwolf. The aroma wafted through the air, rich and enticing, filling the small clearing by the lakeside.
The three of them—Reon, Cloudia, and the little white cat—sat together on the soft grass, the setting sun casting a golden hue over their gathering.
The little cat, perched beside Cloudia, stared wide-eyed at the dishes laid before them. Its gaze darted between the food and Cloudia, as if seeking permission from its senior before daring to eat.
Cloudia, with her ever-so-slightly haughty demeanor, regarded the little one for a moment before nudging one of the dishes closer with her paw. It was a gesture of quiet acceptance, her way of acknowledging the newcomer to their small family.
The little cat's eyes lit up, its whiskers twitching with delight. Her small tongue darted out to lick at her lips as she leaned closer, her tiny nose quivering at the tantalizing smell.
Droplets of saliva gathered at the corner of her mouth, her hunger evident after what must have been weeks of foraging and starvation.
She hesitated briefly, looking at Reon and then at Cloudia, as though she couldn't quite believe this feast was for her.
Reon chuckled warmly, his tone gentle. "Go ahead, little one. Eat to your heart's content. There's no need to hold back or feel shy."
At his encouragement, the little cat wasted no time. She dove into the meal with an enthusiasm that made Reon laugh.
Every bite was savored with an expression of pure bliss, her small body trembling slightly as though overwhelmed by the flavors.
It was clear she hadn't eaten properly in days, maybe even weeks, and now, the feast before her seemed like a treasure beyond measure.
"Easy there, little one," Reon said with a soft chuckle, reaching out to gently pat her. "You're so adorable when you eat, but if you keep eating so fast, you'll choke."
Cloudia, who had been observing the scene with her head held high, suddenly nudged Reon's arm with her nose.
Her expressive eyes fixed on him, clearly demanding her share of attention. Her dignified posture melted into a playful pout, as if to say, Don't forget about me.
Reon turned to her with a knowing smile. "Ah, don't think I've forgotten about you, Cloudia," he said, reaching over to scratch under her chin in the way she loved. "You're just as adorable, you know. The senior of the group, after all."
Cloudia leaned into his touch, her tail swishing happily behind her as her moment of pride was restored. She gave the little cat a sidelong glance, as if to say, I might accept you, but remember who's the most loved by master.
The three of them sat together, their bond deepening with every shared moment. The meal became more than just food; it was a celebration—a quiet acknowledgment of the growing family they were becoming.
As Reon savored the moment with his companions, a sudden jolt of unease rippled through him. His Instinctual Awareness flared like a warning bell, tingling at the edge of his consciousness.
Something—or someone—was approaching. Though the intent he sensed wasn't lethal, it carried a distinct undercurrent of hostility, enough to set his nerves on edge.
Reon's expression hardened. Whoever was coming meant no good. Without hesitation, he reached for his sword, resting it within arm's reach while his sharp eyes scanned the dense foliage around him. His muscles tensed, ready for whatever—or whoever—was about to emerge.
Cloudia, always in tune with her master, felt the shift in the air. Her ears twitched, and she paused mid-bite, the playful spark in her eyes replaced by a fierce determination.
Rising to her paws, she positioned herself protectively near Reon, her sleek form radiating vigilance.
Even the little white cat seemed to sense the danger. She stood, her gaze darting nervously between the trees, her once-playful demeanor now replaced by quiet alertness.
Reon's sharp eyes caught movement in the distance—six figures advancing toward him. He narrowed his gaze, focusing on their attire.
It didn't match the robes of Outer Sect disciples like his own. Instead, their uniforms bore the unmistakable markings of Inner Sect disciples.
He recognized the description vividly from the novel, and his grip on his sword tightened.
Inner Sect disciples. His mind raced. Were they here because of Xue Taiyang's old enmities? Had his predecessor's betrayals drawn them out into the Whispering Grove to hunt him down? He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not for a second.
The six figures came closer, their strides purposeful yet weary. Reon noticed their sunken expressions, the exhaustion etched onto their faces.
The rich aroma of the meal he had prepared seemed to catch them off guard as they neared. The tantalizing scent wafted through the air, causing the group to pause and glance at one another.
For a brief moment, Reon noticed their gazes linger hungrily on the food he had laid out. There was a flicker of temptation in their eyes, as if they considered stealing it.
But just as quickly, their leader stepped forward, his expression hardening with resolve. Whatever their intentions, food wasn't the priority.