I grinned. Then I touched her tails and ran my finger through the soft fur.

  Lucy’s eyes opened and she looked at me. “Hmmm, that feels nice.”

  “So soft…” I murmured.

  Lucy’s head turned and she looked at her own tails. “Huh.”

  “The aura training worked.” I said.

  “Cool. I wonder if something else has changed?” She mused.

  “I guess your aura is more powerful. The fourth tail should be a real change, then you break into the next aura stage.” I replied.

  “I just got the third tail and you are already dreaming about the fourth.” Lucy teased.

  “Yes.” I admitted. “I think they grow even fluffier as you become more powerful.” I theorized.

  Lucy left my arms and stood up. I reluctantly stopped petting her tails. Then I watched her stretch. “I think we should get food.” She suggested.

  “That is a good plan.” I agreed. I stood up and stretched. It was hard to tell the time, especially since I knew very little about the fairy realm. Maybe it was late afternoon? I shrugged, it was not that important.

  Looking around I did not see anyone nearby. Thankfully I remembered the path we took to get here so it was easy to return to the palace. While we did I spent some time to truly study the city.

  Everything looked pristine, especially the plants. But beneath the surface I could feel the magic. I could feel the power. Every plant here was part of the defences. Izanami’s home was a fortress. Or a trap, I suppose. I don’t think this place had any walls, just roots ready to devour you.

  We returned to the area where I had left the gate. Interestingly, Izanami was still there. Our other companions were nowhere in sight, neither was Chione. The Lady of the Forest was sitting on the floor while vines covered the gate.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Is this how you study the magic inside the gate?” I asked, as I stepped next to Izanami.

  “Yes. This gate is old, perhaps even older than I am. But I can feel the stench of death on it. Unnatural death. I despise necromancy.” She replied.

  “You prefer the dead to stay dead?” I asked.

  “Death is the fate of every living being, even us immortals. It is part of the cycle of life, it’s part of nature. Death is supposed to feed new life. I have always criticised any who studied necromancy. But Beria has taken it even further. Feeling this corruption… it is sickening.”

  “Hm. Do you think there would be any problems with using it?” I asked.

  Izanami turned her head and looked at me. “I don’t think so. There is no permanent damage. The lingering darkness will fade, in time.”

  “What is Chione’s role? Why is she defending Beira?” I asked.

  “The Lady of Winter has been sleeping for a long time. Some ice fey think their influence is weakening as a result. I would not be surprised if Beira started her journey trying to seize the mantle. Lady Chione wants to protect a fellow ice fey. Maybe she thinks Beira can be redeemed. Maybe they are related, in some way. Further, Lady Chione cares little about the mortal world. Even among the fey, she only cares about those with power.” Izanami explained.

  “What if she is involved? Maybe she helped Beira?” Lucy wondered.

  “A disturbing thought. I do not think they are allied right now but it is possible that Lady Chione supported Beira early on. And they had a disagreement about their methods at some point. I have not paid enough attention to the world, I am afraid.” Izanami was now looking at Lucy. “You have a third tail.” She stated.

  Lucy grinned. “I do.” Her tails swished around happily.

  “Congratulations. I was not aware that you were close to a breakthrough.” Izanami said.

  “Me neither.” Lucy replied. “I got my second tail during a battle, when I was really angry. This is the first time I got one through training.”

  Lucy seemed really proud as she showed off her tails. It was quite the accomplishment. A serious increase in fluffiness.

  Izanami stood up and the vines retreated from the gate. “Come, let me offer you some food. Such a transformation takes a lot of energy.”

  “Food sounds great.” Lucy said.

  “Speaking of food, I do have a question.” I said.

  “Yes?” Izanami responded.

  “Do you use your personal power to grow special food? Have you studied rituals to change plants? Improve the taste of wine?” I wondered.

  Izanami laughed. “What a delightful question. So many people are obsessed with using their magic in grand displays of power. They forget the simple pleasures of magic. The answer is yes, I have used my power for such things. I do enjoy gardening.”

  “What is the purpose of power if you do not enjoy life?” I asked.

  Izanami nodded. “Indeed.”

  “So, what is the best food you have created?” Lucy asked.

  “Hm. I think it is my crimson white. A special wine. The grapes are white with a hint of red. The taste varies based on what I feed the plants.” She replied.

  “Feed the plants?” Lucy asked.

  “Their vines bury into creatures and drink their blood. That is why the grapes are slightly red.” She replied.

  That did sound intriguing. I wondered if poisonous blood made the wine spicy.