Beyond, With a Yokai

Chapter 11: Fragile Trust

"Oh? So you know who I am?"
The nogitsune's grin widened as he stepped forward—slow, deliberate.
With every step, the tension thickened.

Suddenly, his energy surged like a tempest.
It crashed down around us in waves, thick and oppressive, as if the very air turned solid.

My fur stood on end.

Even I could barely breathe.

He'd done it on purpose—let loose his full aura to make her feel it. To remind her what he really was.

The pressure was unbearable. Like a dense fog that crawled under your skin and clamped around your heart.

Margaret was frozen in place. Her pupils blown wide, chest heaving.
Terror ran through her in visible pulses—her instincts screamed at her to flee, but her legs refused to obey.

"Feel that?"
The fox's grin twisted darker, feeding off her fear.

His aura wrapped around us like a fortress.
There was no mistaking it—he ruled this space, and he wanted us to know it.

"Let's go inside the barrier," I said, stepping forward, positioning myself between them.

He stared at my back for a long second...
Then, reluctantly, reined in his energy.

"Why do you think I'll let her step inside?"
His voice carried a mocking undertone.

"I vouch for her," I said. "She won't do anything harmful."

"Are you serious?!" Margaret exclaimed. "You want me to willingly hand myself over to the Ripper?"

I took a deep breath and looked her straight in the eyes.

"He's my friend, Margaret. He's not like what they told you. Everything you saw—it was done out of necessity. You're safe. I promise."

I turned to the fox, waiting for his decision. He was silent for a few moments, then, without much enthusiasm, stepped aside, letting us through.

Margaret still didn't move—her hesitation was painfully obvious. Gently, I nudged her forward.

"Why... why does it smell like a dead soul in here?" Her ears twitched, voice unsteady. "You didn't... dine on someone, did you?"

She glanced around warily, her body tensed like a drawn bowstring.

"Unfortunately, we've run out of food. But luckily, here you are."

"Don't listen to him," I said quickly, placing a paw on her for reassurance. "He just has a... unique sense of humor. And taste."

From around the corner of our little house, Yesenia suddenly appeared, surprise and wariness written all over her face as she took in the unfamiliar guest.

"Who's with you?" she asked, her eyes darting from one of us to the other.

Margaret didn't miss a beat and addressed me sharply:

"What's going on here, Aki?" Her voice was taut, filled with tension, and her eyes were clouded with uncertainty.

I sighed, realizing it was finally time to lay everything out.

"Okay, let's all sit down, and I'll explain."

We entered the house, instantly wrapped in its warmth and quiet comfort. It was a small, cozy hideaway tucked among the trees. The air smelled of fresh herbs and something warmly familiar. A round wooden table stood at the center of the room, surrounded by simple yet comfy chairs with padded seats. An oriental-patterned rug lay across the floor, and potted green plants crowded the windowsills.