The she-demon's words sent the Huodou pack into a fury.
The sulfurous smell hanging around them grew stronger. Though no open flames appeared, the air seemed to burn, warping and flowing in the moonlight until the scene in the forest clearing blurred.
One, two, three—more and more large black dogs emerged from the bushes, baring their teeth, magma-like saliva dripping from their mouths. Their scarlet eyes glared viciously at the two uninvited guests who had rashly trespassed on Huodou territory.
"I really like your eyes."
Nikita seemed entirely oblivious to their dangerous surroundings. Looking past Maodou and Buck toward an old Huodou with a grizzled coat, she said brightly, "There's the red of someone who's seen through worldly vanities, but also the ardor of someone who loves life... you're practically a blend of wizards and demons."
The compliment did nothing to lessen the Huodou's hostility toward her.
More and more large Huodou appeared around them, baring their teeth and watching for weaknesses in the she-demon, ready to spring the moment the elders of their pack gave the order.
But the old Huodou had lived long enough to become old precisely because they had been cautious throughout their lives, never fighting pointless battles against inexplicable enemies.
"Strange guests, you are not welcome here. We hope you will leave."
The old Huodou's words were stiff, but its manner was very mild. "We are merely a band of wanderers keeping our distance from trouble... all we want is to live peacefully in the woods."
Nikita laughed.
She spread her arms as though embracing the moon about to vanish at the edge of the sky, or perhaps the entire Silent Forest. "There's often an invisible chasm between dreams and reality. This forest is enormous—large enough to hold an entire mythical world... but it's also