This wouldn’t be the last time Nyx and the others saw him. The fox had been persistent in his offer, always appearing at inconvenient moments, trying to strike up a deal. But Nyx wasn’t going to give him the time of day.

He usually showed up when she was in the territories of the other constellations, far from Drac’s own. Once she was back in Drac’s domain, he seemed to keep his distance. But every time she ventured out, there he was, lingering just close enough to be noticed.

Every encounter played out the same way. He’d call out, she’d refuse him, and he’d slink away—only to return again. It was getting exhausting. Len and the others started joking about her “persistent admirer,” but Nyx felt uneasy.

“He’s just waiting for the right moment,” she thought to herself one day after another encounter. “He must want something more.” The idea gnawed at her, though she kept her thoughts mostly to herself.

She considered telling Drac, but nothing truly dangerous had happened—yet. “If it gets out of hand,” she decided, “I’ll tell him then.”

One Week Later

Nyx was beginning to think the fox had finally given up. It had been a whole week since their last encounter. After another successful dungeon raid with Len and the Aetherlings, they decided to take a break by a nearby river. The sunlight was warm, the air fresh, and it seemed like the perfect moment for a peaceful picnic.

They laid down a colorful flower-bed cloth on the ground, and Nyx began placing out the different fruits and snacks they had gathered. The atmosphere was lively and full of joy. Len and the Aetherlings chatted animatedly, making plans for their next adventure.

Ryu and Guerim splashed into the river, chasing after Glimmerscale Trout—an elusive fish with shimmering scales that glowed faintly in the dark. Nyx watched with amusement as they worked together to catch a few. This was a treat she hadn’t tried yet, and she couldn’t wait.

“This’ll be a treat!” she called out, watching them work while Suli braided her hair softly. “I can’t wait to taste it.”

“They’re tricky to catch, but once you get the hang of it, they’re worth it,” Ryu replied, focusing on the task.

After some effort, they managed to catch three Glimmerscale Trout. Len and Guerim taught Nyx how to clean the fish, and she rubbed spices on them before roasting them over the fire.

As, the fish were roasting over an open fire, filling the air with a delicious aroma. Suli perched on her shoulder, softly braiding her hair while Nyx ate with her hands, savoring each bite of trout and roasted vegetables.

It felt perfect—almost too perfect.

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Just as Nyx was about to take another bite of her roasted trout, she felt it.

That presence.

Her peace was shattered by a familiar voice calling out from the edge of the clearing. “Not again,” she muttered under her breath, her annoyance bubbling up.

Len noticed the sudden change in her demeanor and looked around. “What’s wrong, Nyx?”

Ryu and Guerim, still damp from their trout-catching adventure, turned their heads in the same direction. There, standing casually at the tree line, was the fox.

The Nine-Tailed Fox God of Gluttony.

He was watching them, eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and hunger. Nyx’s heart sank. “He never gives up, does he?”

She stood, dusting off her trousers, and faced him. The others exchanged glances, confused by her reaction. Len stepped closer to her. “Should we get help? Drac won’t like this.”

Nyx shook her head. “No, not yet. I’ll handle it.” She stared at the fox, her gaze hardened with irritation. “What do you want?” she demanded, her voice calm but laced with frustration.

The fox stepped forward, his movements graceful and deliberate. He raised his hands in a show of mock surrender. “I mean no harm, little one. I just want to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Nyx crossed her arms, standing her ground.

He chuckled softly, but there was no joy in it. “Let’s not be so harsh. I think we’ve just gotten off on the wrong foot.”

There was something odd about the way he looked at her now, something contemplative.

Before he could say more, Nyx turned to Len. “Go get Drac. Tell him…”

She didn’t finish the sentence. The fox lurched forward, suddenly alarmed. “Please! You don’t need to call the dragon!” His voice wavered, clearly panicked. “I—I mean no harm. I swear it.”

Nyx narrowed her eyes. “Then why are you doing this? Why keep bothering me?”

The fox swallowed hard, his bravado crumbling. “I… I just need food.”

Nyx frowned. “You’re a constellation. Shouldn’t you have more than enough in your own territory?”

There was a long pause before the fox sighed heavily, as if admitting a great secret. “I… I’ve already eaten everything.”

The confession was so pitiful that Nyx almost felt bad for him. Almost.

After a long silence, she sighed. “Fine. Fifty-fifty.”

The fox’s ears perked up. “Sixty-forty?”

Nyx shook her head, standing firm. “Fifty-fifty.”

The fox hesitated, then nodded. “Deal.”

He extended a paw, and Nyx—after a moment’s hesitation—grabbed one of his toes to shake. The deal was made.

As they sat down to eat together, the fox surprisingly kept to the agreement, eating just enough to satisfy his hunger without overindulging. There was an odd sense of peace between them now, though Nyx still remained cautious.

At one point, the fox stopped eating and looked at Nyx. “So, about your skill… what do you want?”

Nyx blinked, taken aback. No one had ever asked her what kind of skill she wanted before. “Huh,” she muttered. “I don’t know. I usually just get what’s given to me.”

She glanced over at Len and the Aetherlings for suggestions.

They began offering ideas enthusiastically.

Len scratched his chin, thinking. “Maybe something to enhance your magic? You’re already strong, but there’s always room to grow.”

Ryu chimed in, “Or something to boost your speed! You’re fast, but you could always be faster.”

Guerim added, “What about a defense skill? You’ve been focusing a lot on attack lately.”

Suli, perched on Nyx’s shoulder, whispered, “Something fun! Like a trickster skill.”

“Maybe something with stealth!” Nabi suggested.

“Or something to enhance your strength!” Len added.

Nyx smiled at her friends, feeling their support. She turned back to the fox. “Just give me what you think is best.”

The fox grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischievous delight. “Very well. I know just the thing.”