It would only be a matter of time before Fen found her footing in this new world. Unfortunately, now was not yet, and not yet felt like a watered-down pelt thrown against her shoulders—overburdened, exhausting, and massive. Though her trust was suspended and strengthened within her faith, built into a strong foundation, and bolstered by the confidence she felt in her father’s words, seeds of doubt still grew in the darkness of the evening.

What if this wasn’t the plan of the Celestial Dragon? What if this was a form of punishment the dynasty had yet to face? And most terrifying, what would happen to their old world now that their emperor had gone?

All of it was unsettling. Concerning. And in ways, horrifying, if Fen allowed herself to think longer on those seeds of doubt.

And so she hadn’t. Instead, she put her attention to the shadows that weaved like wisps within the murky evening light. Her paws carried through the territory she did not know, and she explored where she believed others had not.

She carried on like this for hours until the sound of a voice greeted her ears. Gentle as it was, the familiarity of such notes was more comforting than she had expected them to be. She threw a mossy stare behind her and was greeted by the slender silhouette of the Empress herself.

At least she had made it alongside them.

Empress, Fen breathed her welcome, dipping her chin into a duty-bound nod. And yours, as well.

I did not expect others to be out at this hour, she admitted through flattening ears, unsure if the empress would attempt to send the young princess straight to bed. She could try, at least, but Fen would ultimately protest. Does the prospect of sleep not call to you either?