The journey to fox spirit territory had taken nearly two weeks of travel through increasingly remote regions of the Empire.
As Grim's carriage approached what appeared to be an ordinary stretch of ancient forest, he noticed subtle changes in the landscape that suggested they were nearing something significant.
The trees grew taller and more uniform, their branches forming intricate patterns. The air carried scents of flowers he couldn't identify, and the quality of light filtering through the canopy had an ethereal quality that made everything appear slightly more vivid than normal.
"We're close now," Ruxi said. "The entrance to our realm lies just ahead."
Grim studied her, noting that her usual composed demeanor was different. She showed signs of excitement mixed with something that might have been nervousness.
"Are you concerned about my reception?" he asked directly.
