Chapter 2: On the Way Home

Xiao Ru was the first to set out, and the other white foxes moved alongside him, their limbs working in harmony as they gradually receded into the distance.

The white fox biting the cloth strip was the last to depart. He glanced silently at Xiao Yi, then whispered, “Sorry.”

“What?” Xiao Yi sat on the ground, still not understanding. As soon as the white fox moved, she was yanked violently, her whole body flipping backward, soaring through the air.

Whenever the fox darted forward, the force on her feet felt like a thousand pounds, and she arced through the sky like an arrow loosed from a bowstring. After the fox landed momentarily, she was slammed heavily to the ground, utterly out of control.

The fox hadn’t run far before Xiao Yi’s vision swam with stars, and pain washed over her in waves. “Stop... I can...” She tried to speak, but the cloth twisted, flipping her over, her face smacking into the snow, mouth full of icy flakes.

After several rounds, her blood felt as if it flowed backwards, leaving her limp and powerless. Like a heap of limp flesh, she was dragged up and down as they ran, consciousness slipping away, until she fainted.

...

When Xiao Yi woke again, her chin was gripped tightly by Xiao Ru.

“Oh, you’re awake? Had enough pretending to be dead?” Xiao Ru sneered, “Putting on such a pitiful act—who are you trying to impress?”

His grip was relentless, fingers pressing into her skin inch by inch. Xiao Yi winced in pain, turned her head, and bit his wrist.

Pretending to be dead? Why don’t you try it yourself? Her head was still spinning, her body battered—by tomorrow, she’d surely be covered in bruises.

To Xiao Ru, her bite was pitifully weak, failing even to break the skin. He squinted, quietly observing as she clung stubbornly to his wrist.

“Such a little vixen,” he remarked, pulling away and wiping his wrist, “All slobber.”

He had underestimated his parents’ adopted daughter. Who had taught her these tricks? She knew just how to wag her tail and beg for mercy.

Xiao Yi rolled her eyes, wiped her mouth, and retorted, “Now my teeth are dirty.”

What nonsense. She didn’t even want to bite him—her jaw ached for nothing.

Xiao Ru licked his teeth, inhaled deeply, fists clenching and relaxing as he forced himself to endure.

Fine, he’d let her off this time.

Looking at her half-dead state, he hoped she wouldn’t die before reaching home. He’d settle accounts with her later.

“Xiao Qi, don’t let her fall behind,” he called, glancing once more at the white fox that had dragged Xiao Yi by the cloth. Then he returned to lead the pack.

Xiao Yi followed his gaze, looking at the fox called Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi? Why did that sound familiar?

Their eyes met. Xiao Qi’s black eyes darted away as she stared curiously.

Once the white foxes faded into the snowy wilderness, Xiao Qi slowly approached Xiao Yi.

“Come on,” Xiao Qi said, crouching before her.

Xiao Yi climbed onto Xiao Qi’s back, arms draped around his neck, hands buried in the thick white fur.

So soft.

The iron chain had bound her for so long, and in this icy world, she couldn’t transform into her white fox form. The bitter cold could only be endured.

At the first touch of Xiao Qi’s fur, she pressed her face into it, seeking warmth.

Xiao Qi stiffened for a moment, then muttered, “Hold tight. Don’t fall.”

Hearing these words, Xiao Yi was stunned for a long while, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

Once, she too had buried herself in the fur of her loved ones, treasured and adored.

She had heard these words from Xiao Ru as well.

Back when she couldn’t yet take human form, the clan leader and his wife were busy with family affairs. Xiao Ru carried her everywhere, coaxed her to sleep every night.

Now, such words came from another’s mouth.

Xiao Yi quietly wiped her tears.

So be it. Let her pretend she was never adopted.

The past was dark and unrecoverable; the future, bright and promising.

Xiao Ru said the clan leaders wanted her back—returning might be good. Perhaps she could finally rid herself of the iron ball and gain freedom.

That was what mattered.

As Xiao Qi ran, he suddenly felt a patch of fur on his back grow warm and damp, and the person riding him sobbed softly.

He panicked, but couldn’t stop—he’d already delayed the group by seeking help when Xiao Yi fainted, and he couldn’t let the young master wait for them after arriving at the clan.

Fortunately, Xiao Yi soon stopped crying, and Xiao Qi pressed forward with renewed vigor.

Day and night blurred together as Xiao Yi slept draped across Xiao Qi’s back.

When she awoke, the scenery was familiar—they were nearly home.

She recognized the crooked berry tree instantly.

Back then, Xiao Ru was just barely able to take human form, and she was listless, unable to eat meat.

He placed her beneath the tree and climbed up to pick berries for her.

The branches, heavy with red fruit, snapped under his weight, sending him plummeting to the ground. He was bedridden for a month, but after healing, he picked and stored berries again, saying if his sister ever wanted them, she could have them at once.

...

Realizing her thoughts were drifting, Xiao Yi pinched her arm sharply.

Why think of these things?

Ahead, Xiao Ru and the white foxes slowed to a halt. Xiao Qi beneath her did the same.

They had arrived.

Xiao Qi crouched down, and Xiao Yi moved forward.

Before the gates of the white fox clan, the clan leader, his wife, and Xiao Qiang were already waiting.

Xiao Ru stepped forward and knelt before the clan leader: “Father, I have brought Xiao Yi back.”

The clan leader, Xiao Feng, smiled as he helped his son up. “Very good. It is wonderful that Xiao Yi has returned.”

The clan leader’s wife also beamed. “Where is Xiao Yi?”

Xiao Qiang covered her mouth and smiled at Xiao Ru. “Brother, why hasn’t our sister come out? I’ve missed her so much.”

“She’s right behind,” Xiao Ru replied, furrowing his brow and turning to look.

Such kindness—after being harmed by an adopted daughter, she still remembered her. Clearly, Xiao Yi was even more heartless.

Under everyone’s gaze, Xiao Yi emerged slowly.

She still wore the tattered clothes from the border, a corner missing.

Her hair was dry, her figure thin, but her eyes shone like stars, bright and lively.

Xiao Ru frowned at her appearance.

Still playing the victim!

The clan leader’s wife rushed forward and embraced Xiao Yi. “Oh dear, what happened? How did you end up like this? Qiang’er, quickly bring the shawl you prepared for your sister.”

Xiao Qiang turned and called, “Mother is right. Xiao Qiu, hurry, bring the cloud-patterned shoulder wrap I set aside.”

Xiao Qiu suddenly knelt, trembling. “I forgot, miss.”

Xiao Qiang’s brows knitted slightly. “How could you fail at such a simple task?”

“Forget it, but don’t let it happen again.” She coughed, then reached to remove her own cloak. “If you don’t mind, sister, would you wear mine?”

Xiao Yi, having seen Xiao Qiang’s true nature, was not moved. “No need, I…”

She was interrupted by Xiao Ru.