When Fang stepped out of her room, she spotted the Queen approaching. The Queen offered her a soft smile. Fang bowed respectfully, watching her walk away with a strange feeling in her heart.
She's been different ever since that conversation about me… Fang thought, her brows knitting. And that dream… I need answers.
Determined, she made her way to the palace's bookstore. Her fingers trailed across the spines of ancient tomes as she searched for any mention of a mysterious stone. But I don't even know what it looks like… she thought in frustration.
She pulled out every book that seemed remotely related to divine objects or prophecies. One title caught her eye:
"The World-Changing Stone."
Fang sat down and began to read eagerly. As she flipped through the pages, one line made her freeze.
> "Whoever possesses the stone holds the power to shape the world as they wish. In the hands of evil, it will bring forth calamity."
She turned the page.
> "The stone once belonged to Lunarya—the most powerful deity of the Wolf Clan."
Lunarya… Fang repeated the name silently, her heart pounding.
Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder.
"AHHH!" Fang screamed and swung the book in panic, eyes squeezed shut.
"Ow! Ow—stop, it's me!" a familiar voice yelped.
She opened one eye cautiously. "Taio?!"
He was crouching with his hands over his head, dramatically wincing. "You nearly knocked my soul out, Fang!"
Fang squatted beside him, panicked. "I'm sorry, are you alright? Does it hurt?!"
He looked up at her, eyes trembling. "You hit me and then ask if I'm okay?"
Fang tried to hold back a laugh, but a giggle slipped out. Taio gawked at her.
"Are you laughing at me right now?" he asked, scandalized. Then he pouted like a child, bursting into exaggerated sobs. "You've wounded my pride!"
"Shhh!" Fang shushed, flustered. "Stop making a scene!"
When he didn't stop, she raised the book again. "Do you want another hit?"
His crying stopped immediately. He stood up straight, rubbing his shoulder like a wounded hero. "I'm deeply hurt, but fine. Let's go…"
Fang sighed and offered her hand. They walked out of the bookstore together.
As they strolled, Taio turned to her. "So what were you really doing in there?"
Fang avoided his eyes. "Just browsing. Saw a bookshop and went in."
"You like reading that much?"
Fang's tone softened. "I love books. When I was a child, they were the only companions I had. Then I met Syaoran… and he became like family to me."
She smiled faintly, but Taio frowned.
"Hey, hey—don't get all sad on me. You almost broke my spine with a book, remember? I won't forgive you if you drown me in your sadness now."
Fang laughed. "Alright, alright! No sadness. Come on, I'll treat you to some meat."
His eyes lit up instantly. "Now that's more like it!"
They bought freshly cut meat and headed to the riverside. Fang knelt to gather some flat stones and kindling while telling Taio, "Get me some dry leaves and sticks."
He pointed at his invisible wounds dramatically. "I'm injured, remember?"
Fang rolled her eyes and collected the items herself.
Soon, a small fire crackled between them. She placed the meat on the hot stones and began to cook.
Taio blinked. "Wait… what are you doing with that meat?"
"Cooking it," Fang said matter-of-factly.
"You cook meat?"
She gave him a side-eye. "You and Syaoran really are the same. So dramatic. Haven't you ever seen a campfire before?"
"Don't joke about His Majesty!" Taio said, puffing his chest.
Fang teased, "Right, right. His loyal advisor, always singing his praises."
When the meat was done, she handed him a piece. He hesitated.
"Just eat it," she insisted, taking a bite herself. "Mmm… delicious!"
Encouraged, Taio took a bite—and froze.
"Well?" she asked.
He nodded slowly, wide-eyed. "It's… amazing, Fang."
They ate happily by the river. As the sky darkened, Fang packed some of the meat in a cloth pouch and handed it to him. "Take this to Syaoran."
Taio grinned and nodded.
By nightfall, they returned to the palace. Taio made his way to Syaoran's chamber and knocked gently.
"Come in," Syaoran called.
Taio stepped in, hiding the pouch behind his back.
Syaoran sniffed the air and smiled. "Meat? Did Fang make this?"
Taio placed it on the table proudly. "Your Majesty, your nose is sharp. Yes, she did."
Syaoran lit up, eagerly taking a bite. "I haven't had this in so long…"
Taio watched the meat longingly. Syaoran noticed.
"Do you want some?" he asked, holding out a piece.
Taio reached for it, but then Syaoran paused. A thought struck him.
"Wait… if she gave me some… then she probably cooked for you too?"
Taio froze. "Uh… y-yes…"
Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "So you've already eaten."
Before Taio could respond, Syaoran smacked his hand away playfully. "No second serving! She cooked this for me."
Syaoran returned to his meal, savoring it.
"Mm… it's been a while since I tasted something made by her," he murmured with a smile.