A small puff of smoke curled out from between the closet doors.
Before Rui could react, a flash of flames ripped through the cracks, igniting the air and almost catching her sleeve.
She jumped back, narrowly avoiding another jet of flame.
A small black furball tumbled out, landing with an undignified thud on the floor.
Two angry red eyes glared up at her from beneath tiny horns.
"Kee Kee!" Rui gasped in surprise, dropping the hairpin and falling to her knees.
"Took you long enough," the demon beast growled, shaking himself and sending ash scattering across the floor.
"I've been marinating in mothballs and cheap silks."
Rui was overcome with relief and nearly burst into tears. She reached for Kee Kee, who grudgingly allowed himself to be scooped up.
"How did you find me?" she asked, putting her cheek to his warm fur.
"Easy, drama queen—you're crushing my horns."
