Never seen a member of the demon beast tribes?” Rin asked with a hint of surprise.

Vayren shook his head, his expression curious. “Can’t say I have, but I have heard stories. So how did you do that thing?” Vayren asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

“What taking the form of a cat,” Rin asked, her head tilted to the side. “It’s simple; it just takes a little mana.”

“Really, so I could do it?” Vayren inquired, his eyes alight with excitement.

“Do you have any idea why the Duke was after you, Rin?” I interjected.

Rin paused briefly, staring off into the night. “The demon beast tribes were the original inhabitants of the demon’s domain, though we are far outnumbered by the other races of the domain these days. I guess you could say we are seen as a rare commodity, making us collectibles in the eyes of some nobles.”

Veronica stirred the fire; her eyebrows knitted together in concern. “The box…how did you even get stuck in there?” she asked as a plume of smoke rose and dissipated into the night air.

“My father, sister, and I were traveling through the Cariseian domain when we were approached by a large group of what looked like adventurers. They turned out to be poachers, and I was caught, but my father and sister managed to get away.” Rin shrugged.

Vayren wiped a grain from his lip with the corner of his sleeve. “So your dad and sister ditched you?” he muttered

Veronica’s face flushed with embarrassment and began to contort to a scowl. “Watch your tongue, Vayren. Rin’s family was probably doing what they thought was best to protect her,” Veronica said sternly.

Rin waved a hand, dismissing the tension in the air. “It’s okay. I don’t hold it against them. I just wish I knew where they were.”

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As we settled in for the night, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt and responsibility for Rin’s safety. We had unwittingly assisted the poachers that got her into this mess.

But as I watched Rin curl up by the fire, her feline features softening in sleep, I knew that we had to keep her safe. We have to find her parents first and foremost once we reach the demon’s domain. Maybe then I will feel a bit better about this whole situation

With that resolve in mind, I drifted off to sleep, my sword still within arms reach, ready to defend us if needed. As sleep consumed my consciousness, no dreams followed.

Awakening the next morning, I felt rested for the first time that I could remember. Veronica, Vayren, and Rin were still asleep. Gazing down the cliffside where we had encamped the sprawling forests of the Cariseian domain left me in awe. I don’t know where I came from, but something tells me this much green is an oddity in comparison. As Veronica awoke, she crept over and sat next to me along the cliff edge. We sat in silence for a few moments, both of us lost in thought. Finally, Veronica spoke up.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What do you mean?” I asked, turning to look at her.

Veronica shook her head, her eyes fixed on the trees below. “I mean, we’re running from a Duke. We’re on the run like common criminals. I never thought it would come to this,” she said, her voice tinged with regret.

I placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. “I know it’s not ideal, but we had no choice,” I said, my voice soft

Veronica nodded, her expression softening. “I know. I can’t shake this feeling of unease,” she said.

“I think we all feel that way,” I agreed. “But we have to keep moving forward. After we find Rin’s family, maybe we can continue to work on our reputation with the guild in another domain.”

“It’s a plan, then,” Veronica said with a smile. “You know I have always wanted to visit the Stagerian domain.”

I smiled at Veronica’s enthusiasm. “Well, maybe we can make that happen once everything settles down,” I said, my mind already starting to consider the possibilities.

As Rin and Vayren woke up, we quickly packed up our camp and started our trek toward the demon’s domain. We walked in silence for most of the day, lost in our own thoughts and concerns.

It was only when we stopped to rest that Rin spoke up. “Do you think we’ll find my family?” she asked, her voice small.

“We’ll do everything we can to find them,” Veronica said, her tone reassuring.