The Fox Hunt and the Night’s Howl

In the small village nestled at the edge of the Ash Mountains, Phini returned from her hunt with light, contented steps.

The two youths guarding the village entrance watched as Phini approached, a small fox in one hand and a cheerful tune on her lips.

Astonishment and warmth filled their faces as they asked, “Phini, you actually managed to hunt something?”

“I don’t find it particularly difficult,” she replied, her expression unreadable as she faced the young men.

Having spent a week in the village, Phini naturally knew the identities of these two guards. The slender one was named Magua, while the plumper one was Feihu. The origins of their peculiar names were tied to their parents’ lack of formal education, yet Phini paid little mind to it. Any name, regardless of its nature, represented the hopes and efforts of the family that gave it. It was not something to be ridiculed.

Even if their names were undeniably ironic, mockery was simply not an option. At least, this was a principle she had always steadfastly upheld. Speaking of peculiar names, she recalled that her former homeland had no shortage of them either.

“It seems Angela will be quite busy today!” Magua said.

“I think the busyness will be well worth it,” Feihu remarked. “Look at how tender this fox is. I imagine the meat will be excellent.”

As they spoke, both Magua and Feihu gazed at her catch with undisguised envy. After all, whatever Phini acquired was essentially Angela’s as well. Since Phini lived with Angela, the two would naturally share the bounty.

“I won’t keep you any longer. It’s almost dark. You two should tidy up and head home quickly,” Phini reminded them, looking up at the descending sun. Having grown accustomed to her surroundings, she no longer harbored any desire for late-night strolls in this place.

“We understand. You should head back quickly too,” the two youths replied in unison, nodding their acknowledgment.

“Understood. I’ll be going then.”

Seeing that they had heeded her warning, Phini wasted no further time. She turned and walked directly toward Angela’s house without looking back.

Angela’s home was situated at the very end of the village, right next to the village chief’s residence. It was also the largest and most distinct house in the entire settlement; everyone else’s homes were essentially simple wooden shacks.

Following the main dirt path, Phini soon arrived.

“I’m home!” she called out as she stepped through the front door.

For a fleeting moment, Phini felt as though her past life had returned to her. However, as Angela appeared from inside the house, the fleeting image of her little sister rapidly dissipated from her mind.

“Wow, Phini, you’re amazing!” Angela exclaimed, her sharp eyes immediately spotting the prey in Phini’s hand.

“Here. The fox, as usual,” Phini said, stepping forward and extending her hand.

“Mhm!” Angela nodded as she took the animal.

“Then I’ll head back to my room first,” Phini stated. Her task was complete, and there was nothing else for her to do.

“Alright, go on ahead. Just wait for my good news!” Knowing Phini preferred her solitude, Angela did not stop her. She nodded again and carried the fox toward the kitchen.

Phini did not linger, turning and walking to her own room.

Angela entered the kitchen and skillfully placed the fox on a wooden table. She then retrieved a sharp skinning knife.

In short order, she swiftly stripped the fox of its fur. The pelt Phini had brought back was remarkably intact; aside from the wide, fatal puncture wound through its chest, the rest was virtually flawless. This meant Angela could process the pelt into clothing. With winter fast approaching, this fur was an incredibly timely acquisition.

“La~ la~ la~” Angela hummed a soft tune as she began to treat the pelt.

Without proper care, the fur would surely be ruined. Through her meticulous efforts, the pelt was soon cleaned of blood and coated with a layer of preservative oil.

“Alright, finished!” After applying the oil, she carefully inspected it. Once satisfied, Angela wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead. With the cooking fire burning nearby, the kitchen’s temperature was quite high.

Having finished with the pelt, she carefully carried it out to the courtyard and hung it up to cure. Only then did she return to the kitchen to prepare the meat.

Perhaps because it truly was a young fox, the meat was incredibly tender. She reached out, feeling the texture, before slicing the fox into smaller pieces.

It wasn’t until the sun had completely set that Angela finally finished dismembering and sorting the entire animal.

“I need to make dinner quickly,” she murmured, instinctively glancing out the window. Seeing the outside world shrouded in complete darkness, she suddenly realized how late it had become. She thought of Phini, likely starving in her room.

Frantically, Angela began to roast the supper.

Meanwhile, Phini, who had returned to her room early, eventually felt she had waited long enough. She stepped out of her room and into the courtyard.

With the sun having set, the outdoor scenery was enveloped in darkness. The night sky was adorned with scattered stars, and amidst these twinkling specks of light, twin moons—one red and one blue—quietly cast their faint glow, providing just enough radiance to discern shapes in the inky blackness.

By the faint moonlight filtering down, Phini saw Angela toiling busily in the kitchen.

After a quick glance, Phini turned her gaze toward the street beyond the fence. An unsettling silence prevailed out there, so profound it was almost eerie. Had it not been for the warm light seeping from the cracks of the nearby wooden houses, Phini might have believed the village to be entirely deserted.

Recalling the rumors that circulated within this place, she could only sigh and turn back toward her room.

Approximately ten minutes later, Angela entered, carrying a plate of steaming food, and made her way directly to Phini’s table.

“Have you been waiting long?” Angela asked with a smile, setting down the food.

“More or less. But as long as there’s something to eat, I have no complaints,” Phini replied, shrugging indifferently. It seemed that waiting was inconsequential as long as a meal was involved.

“This is the meat I roasted. Try it and see if it’s good.” Relieved that Phini wasn’t upset, Angela smiled and pushed the plate forward.

The meat now gleamed with a golden hue. A tantalizing aroma, accompanied by rising white steam, wafted gently into Phini’s nose.

‘It smells quite good,’ Phini thought.

Enticed by the fragrance, she couldn’t resist picking up a piece with her fork.

“Quickly, try it!” Angela urged, eager for her reaction.

“Mhm.” Phini opened her mouth and took a bite.

As her teeth sank into the roasted meat, tender, savory juices overflowed. Phini was utterly captivated by the taste.

“Delicious!” she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up after that wonderful first bite. She quickly devoured the piece.

“If it’s delicious, then eat more!” Seeing Phini enjoy her meal so much, Angela seemed equally delighted. She sat down and joined Phini in devouring the meal.

It was fortunate that Gawain had often brought back wild beasts from the forest in the past; otherwise, Angela wouldn’t have been so skilled at cooking game.

By the time both had cleared all the food, it was late into the night.

Just as Angela was tidying up the dishes, a desolate, eerie howl echoed into the house from outside.

Angela immediately froze, her hands trembling. A look of sheer terror began to spread across her face.

“Don’t be scared. I’ll go check,” Phini said. Discerning her inner turmoil, she stood up and patted Angela’s shoulder gently.

After reassuring her, Phini walked swiftly out of the house.

“AROOOO!”

Perhaps because it had spotted Phini emerging, the creature unleashed another piercing howl that shattered the night’s tranquility.

“What a truly disgusting monster.”

Listening to the ethereal sound, Phini quickly pinpointed its source. The creature stood just outside the courtyard fence. Its scarlet, lifeless eyes were fixed hungrily on the house within. Whether it couldn’t enter or simply dared not to, the humanoid-like monster remained motionless in the dirt.

“Is that a ghoul?”

Feeling a stir behind her, Phini noticed Angela had bravely come to stand beside her. Phini fixed her gaze on the humanoid creature beyond the fence and asked the trembling girl beside her.