Kane ran deeper into the surf, his nine tails swishing through the water.
Foxfire erupted from each tail—silver flames that didn't burn, only illuminated.
Where they touched the waves, the bioluminescent plankton ignited in cascading bursts of blue-green light.
The entire shoreline exploded into luminous trails that pulsed and swirled around him.
Cyrus stood at the water's edge, arms crossed, watching Kane spin and leap like some feral spirit finally unchained.
The fox's laughter carried over the waves—pure, unfiltered joy that made something tighten in Cyrus's chest.
Kane turned, grinning wickedly as he scooped up a handful of glowing water.
"Don't," Cyrus warned.
The splash hit him square in the chest, soaking through the expensive linen.
Bioluminescent droplets clung to the fabric, painting him in streaks of electric blue.
"You're going to regret that," Cyrus said evenly.
Kane backed away, still grinning. "Yeah? What are you gonna—"
