Pain flared through my lower half, and I leaned forward with a wheeze, swiping the package onto the floor as Time sighed. It is likely enchanted to hold more than it appears.

Yeah, no kidding.

Glaring at the offending object, I huffed. “This stupid thing better be important.” Bending down, I snatched it up and turned it over. The plain leather cover, devoid of any markings or embellishments, greeted me. A book. At least that explained the weight.

Shaking off my irritation, I flipped it open, only to be met with page after page of swooping characters that looked like nothing more than chicken scratch. You wouldn’t happen to know what this says, would you?

Time’s voice turned intrigued. Some of this is written in the old language–the first one. However, many words are unfamiliar to me. It could be a new dialect or a cipher the king developed to protect his writings from being intercepted. Given time, I can decipher it.

Great. The journal joined the growing pile of items on the desk. I turned my attention back to the bag. Holding it carefully right side up this time, I slid my hand inside. Then my arm. Then my shoulder. Still no bottom.

Given that it belonged to the king, it would be reasonable to assume this enchanted bag has infinite space, Time explained. To retrieve an item, you must either know what you are seeking or turn it upside down to release its contents.

My earlier annoyance faded, replaced by fascination. Keeping the bag far from my groin this time, I cautiously flipped it over.

And promptly scrambled backward when a fox tumbled out.

“What in the fresh hell?” I blurted, eyes widening.

The sleek black fox stood, its fur gleaming like silk as its beady eyes locked on me. Long ears twitched back, rings of glowing light circling the tips. More rings shimmered around its paws, and when I glanced at its tails–yes, plural–they sported the same ethereal adornments.

For a long, tense moment, we stared at each other. Its wide eyes locked on me as tiny teeth bared in fear. Then its eyes began to glow an eerie blue, and I instinctively raised my hands. “Oi! I’m not the prick who stuffed you in there. Don’t attack me!”

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The glow faded, and its head tilted slightly, as though it were considering me. When it squinted, I gawked. “I’m sorry, is the magical night fox analyzing me?”

Time’s voice cut in. It would seem so. The symbol on its chest marks it as one of Nature’s creations. It appears young–likely a recent creation not yet meant to leave its home. I cannot fathom how that vile king managed to steal it, but Nature would be most grateful for its return.

Only then did I notice the faint white tree design branching across its chest. Taking that as Nature’s symbol, I softened my tone and spoke slowly. “Easy, little guy. I don’t know what that asshole Silas did to you, but I’m not like him. Hell, I killed him, so you don’t have to worry about that prick anymore.”

The fox’s stance relaxed. Its ears perked up as it sidled closer, sniffing me with wary curiosity. I held still, letting it investigate as Time hummed thoughtfully.

Most of Nature’s creations, even the young ones, understand spoken language. However, keep your words simple; it is akin to speaking to a small child. He paused, tone turning darker. A child who is not supposed to be away from home.

So, basically, it was a lost toddler. The thought sent a pang through me, and I smiled at the fox. “You were taken from home, weren’t you?”

It’s head shot up, ears alert, and it let out a small yip. I took that as a yes and extended a hand. “Well,if you’d like, I’ll bring you back. I’ve got a few things to finish first, but after that, I’ll take you to Nature.”

The fox’s wariness melted away, replaced by pure, unfiltered excitement. It spun in tight circles, yipping happily before leaping into my lap. I scrambled to catch it as it bounced around, its energy overwhelming.

“Alright, calm down,” I laughed. “We don’t want you getting hurt.”

It stilled reluctantly, its tail swishing with pent-up energy. When I stood, it clambered up my arm to settle around my shoulders, its warm body draped along my neck. The glowing rings weren’t solid, but they sent a faint, tingling sensation across my skin whenever they brushed my ear.

Ignoring the odd sensation, I reached the bag. The fox tensed but didn’t jump down as I began stuffing the papers and scrolls inside. Once everything but the journal was packed, I asked inwardly. Do I need to worry about anything getting crushed in there, or can I just toss stuff in?

Time’s response was immediate Kings can afford advanced enchantments. If this is indeed a bag of infinite space, its magic would ensure everything remains intact. If you wish to test it, gather everything you want and see if it fits.

I glanced around the room. Books lined the shelves, dozens of them stretching from floor to ceiling, the sheer number daunting but oh so tempting.

Grinning, I felt excitement surge through me like lightning.

Challenge accepted.