Chapter 37 – The Fox Within

Madelyn remained crouched behind the pillar, her body tense as she strained to catch every word from the trio. Her ears twitched, picking up snippets of their idle conversation, but nothing gave away their full purpose. They seemed content to linger near the entrance, keeping a low profile while waiting for some poor soul to wander in.

“Ugh, how long do we have to be out here?” Kade complained, his voice cutting through the quiet forest. “It’s been hours, and no one’s shown up. Maybe nobody’s dumb enough to come to these ruins anymore.”

“Patience,” Rylan replied smoothly, his tone even, but there was an edge of menace beneath it. “The boss pays us well for a reason. We keep watch, make sure no one gets curious, and if anyone does…” He let the sentence hang, his meaning clear.

Madelyn’s heart pounded. Who’s paying them? And why do they want to keep people away from the ruins? She bit her lip, her mind racing with possibilities. The ruins clearly held some kind of significance, especially if they were tied to Aeloria. Was someone trying to protect a secret? Or perhaps cover something up?

But it was Rylan’s voice that unsettled her the most. It was hauntingly familiar, each word triggering a deep sense of unease. Where do I know him from? she thought, her pulse quickening.

The woman spoke again, her voice calm but commanding. “We’ve got orders, and we’re going to follow them. Whether it’s boring or not doesn’t matter. No one gets near that statue, and if they do, we handle it. Got it?”

Madelyn’s blood ran cold. They know about the statue? That confirmed it. These people weren’t just random thugs—they had a specific mission, and it revolved around the very place she’d been drawn to.

Her tail flicked nervously behind her, and she fought the urge to shift positions. She had to stay hidden. If they caught her now, there was no telling what they might do. But she also couldn’t ignore the fact that they knew something about the ruins, something that could be crucial to understanding her visions and the strange pull she felt.

She clenched her fists, her mind whirring with questions. Why is the statue so important? And why does Rylan’s voice make me feel like this? Every instinct told her to get out of there, but her curiosity—and her need for answers—kept her rooted in place.

Madelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. I need more information, she thought. I can’t leave yet. Not until I know who they’re working for and what they’re protecting.

She pressed herself further into the shadows, her keen ears still focused on the trio, hoping they’d reveal something more.

Madelyn's ears twitched as the conversation continued, her heart thudding heavily in her chest.

“Maybe it’d be easier to just destroy the statue,” Kade muttered, his voice laced with irritation. “If nobody can see it, then there’s nothing to get curious about.”

Madelyn’s breath caught. Destroy the statue? Her chest tightened, fury bubbling up inside her. The thought of them defiling something so sacred—something that had connected her to the woman—was unbearable. Before she could stop herself, a low growl rumbled from her throat, barely audible but full of raw emotion.

The reaction was immediate.

Kade froze, his head snapping in her direction. “Did you hear that?” he hissed, his voice low but sharp. His hand went instinctively to the hilt of a dagger at his side.

The woman tensed, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the ruins. “Could be an animal,” she said quietly, though her tone was wary. “But stay alert. We can’t take any chances.”

Rylan, however, remained calm, his hands resting casually at his sides. “Relax,” he said, his voice smooth and almost mocking. “It’s probably just an animal or something. This forest is full of wildlife.”

Madelyn’s tail flicked behind her, her instincts screaming at her to stay hidden. She pressed herself tighter against the pillar, willing her breathing to stay quiet and steady. But her mind was racing. They’re talking about destroying the statue… I can’t let that happen.

Kade didn’t seem convinced. He unsheathed his dagger, its blade gleaming faintly in the dappled light filtering through the trees. “Animal or not, I’m checking it out,” he muttered, taking a cautious step forward.

Madelyn’s heart pounded in her chest. No, no, no… She hadn’t meant to make a sound, but now they were on high alert. Her mind scrambled for a plan. If they find me, I’m in serious trouble.

The woman sighed, drawing a slim sword from her belt. “Fine. Let’s make this quick,” she said, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Rylan, stay here and keep watch. We’ll do a sweep.”

Rylan chuckled softly. “Suit yourselves. I’ll be right here when you realize it’s nothing.”

Madelyn’s ears picked up the sound of footsteps approaching. She could feel the tension in the air, every muscle in her body coiled and ready to move if necessary. Think, Maddy, she told herself, her mind racing. You’ve got to stay ahead of them.

The two figures drew closer, their shadows stretching across the crumbling stones. Madelyn’s grip tightened on the pillar, her eyes darting around for an escape route. She had to act fast, but she couldn’t let them destroy the statue. Not without understanding what it truly meant.

She took a deep, silent breath, trying to calm herself down.

Madelyn's ears twitched as Kade's voice grew even louder, his footsteps crunching over the loose stones and fallen leaves. The woman followed close behind, her own steps deliberate and steady. Madelyn’s heart raced, her breaths coming quicker, each one catching slightly in her throat.

Oh no, oh no, oh no… Her mind spiraled. She didn’t want to fight—not like this, not against other people. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. But then the memory of Kade’s words flashed in her mind.

"Maybe it’d be easier to just destroy the statue."

A surge of anger cut through her panic, hot and fierce. Her tail lashed behind her as the thought of them defiling the statue—her statue, the one linked to the woman in her dreams—rekindled her resolve. No. I won’t let them.

Madelyn clenched her fists, her weapon ring cold against her finger. Her breathing steadied slightly as her anger fueled her determination. She couldn’t just sit there and let them do whatever they wanted. If she had to fight to protect the statue, then so be it.

The sound of Kade’s voice broke her thoughts. “I swear I heard something over here,” he said, his tone sharp. “Probably hiding behind one of these pillars.”

“We’ll find it,” the woman replied, her voice calm but firm. “And if it’s more than just an animal, we’ll handle it.”

Madelyn’s mind raced with indisicion. What should I do? Stay hidden? Confront them?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Her eyes darted to the surrounding ruins, searching for any advantage. The overgrown vines and crumbling stone offered plenty of cover, but it wouldn’t be enough if they got too close. Her fingers brushed the weapon ring, her thoughts shifting to its potential. She could summon a weapon in an instant, but which one?

Something defensive, she thought. Something to give me space if they attack.

The footsteps grew louder, and Madelyn felt her pulse quicken. Her fox ears flattened against her head, her tail stiff with tension. She peeked around the pillar, catching a glimpse of Kade’s silhouette just a few steps away. The woman was right behind him, her sword glinting faintly in the filtered light.

They’re too close.

The anger in her chest burned brighter. She wouldn’t let them touch the statue. She wouldn’t let them destroy something so important, something so… sacred. Taking a deep breath, Madelyn steeled herself.

If they find me, I’ll make sure they regret it.

The woman’s shadow loomed closer, her hand reaching toward the pillar. Madelyn held her breath, her entire body tense, ready to act—but then Rylan’s voice cut through the air.

“Leave it alone, you two!” he called, his tone laced with impatience and mockery. “It’s probably just some dumb animal, and you’re wasting time. Get back here.”

Kade let out a frustrated groan. “Ugh, fine,” he muttered, clearly annoyed. “But if I find out something is lurking, I’m blaming you.”

The woman sighed, her silhouette relaxing as she sheathed her sword. “Let’s go,” she said curtly, turning away. “I told you this was pointless.”

Madelyn’s heart slowed as she listened to their retreating footsteps, her ears twitching at every crunch and rustle. She stayed crouched behind the pillar, not daring to move until their voices grew faint, blending back into the ambient sounds of the ruins.

She exhaled shakily, her hands trembling as the tension began to drain from her body. That was way too close.

But as relief set in, so did frustration. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Why didn’t I do anything? The fear, the panic—it had paralyzed her, confused her, leaving her unable to think clearly. She felt helpless, and the realization stung.

Madelyn leaned back against the pillar, her tail curling tightly around her leg. I should’ve been ready. I should’ve done something to stop them. Her anger wasn’t just directed at the intruders but at herself for letting fear take control.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Next time, I won’t freeze. I’ll be ready.

The ruins felt quieter now, the distant hum of the forest filling the void left by the retreating voices. Madelyn closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the rhythmic sound of her breathing, forcing herself to calm down.

I’m not going to let them destroy the statue, she vowed silently. No matter what, I’ll protect it.

Madelyn’s ears twitched as Rylan’s voice carried through the ruins again, his tone dripping with smugness. “Told you it was nothing,” he said, his words followed by a dismissive chuckle. “Now stop wasting time.”

Kade grumbled something under his breath, but before Madelyn could make out the words, Rylan continued, “I’m kind of done with this jig too. Let’s just blow the place up and be done with it. I’ve got some bombs with me.”

Madelyn’s eyes shot open, her heart skipping a beat. Bombs? The thought sent a jolt of panic through her. But that panic was quickly consumed by something far more powerful: rage. They’re planning to destroy everything.

Her fists clenched, and a deep, primal fury surged through her veins. The air around her seemed to grow hotter, her vision tinged with red as pure anger overtook her. She could feel the heat building within her, but it wasn’t painful. It was empowering, as if her very body had become a conduit for something fierce and untamed.

No. The word echoed in her mind, sharp and resolute. I won’t let them do this.

Her fox ears flattened against her head, and her tail swished behind her with agitation, almost as if it were a part of the growing storm within her. The sensation of burning coursed through her limbs, not as a torment but as a kind of awakening. Her senses sharpened, every sound, every movement in the ruins becoming painfully clear.

The ground beneath her seemed to hum in response, as if the ruins themselves were resonating with her fury. She felt a connection, a deep bond with the place, stronger than ever before. It was as though the ruins were calling out to her, urging her to protect them.

Madelyn's knees hit the stone floor, her entire body trembling under the weight of an overwhelming force. The call from the statue was no longer a mere pull; it was a deafening roar in her mind, a primal scream demanding action. The fury burning inside her ignited something deeper, something ancient, and impossible to contain.

Her fingers dug into the ground, her breathing ragged as the transformation began. She felt her muscles shift, her body becoming leaner, stronger. Her fox ears twitched, more sensitive than ever, picking up every sound—the rustle of leaves, the distant hum of the forest, the faint metallic clink of a weapon being adjusted. Her tail bristled, larger, and more powerful, swaying with a purpose it hadn’t known before.

The heat within her surged, spreading like wildfire, but it was no longer just rage—it was instinct. It was the unyielding drive to defend what was sacred. Her skin felt electrified, her senses sharper than ever. Madelyn’s lips curled into a snarl as her teeth elongated, and her nails sharpened into claws.

She lowered herself to the ground, her hands and feet pressing against the cool stone as if they belonged there. Her amber eyes burned with an intense glow, casting an eerie light in the shadows of the ruins. She was no longer fully herself, no longer just a foxkin girl. She was something else entirely—something primal, something born to protect.

A deep, guttural growl rumbled from her chest as she stepped forward on all fours, her movements fluid, deliberate, and deadly. The air around her seemed to ripple with power, a warning to anyone foolish enough to stand in her way.

Rylan and his companions hadn’t noticed her yet, their attention still fixed on their conversation. But they would. They would soon realize their mistake.

Madelyn's fury found its voice in a low, menacing growl that reverberated through the ruins. It was a sound that promised retribution. As the trio turned toward her, their casual demeanor was replaced by shock and a flicker of fear.

“What the hell is that?” Kade stammered, taking a step back.

The woman drew her sword, her eyes narrowing as she tried to assess the threat. “Stay alert,” she commanded, her voice tight.

Rylan, however, merely smirked, though his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty. “Well, well,” he said, his voice laced with forced confidence. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

Madelyn bared her teeth, her glowing eyes fixed on them with unrelenting focus. They’re going to pay, she thought, every fiber of her being resonating with the promise. For threatening the statue. For their arrogance. For everything.

And with that, she sprang forward, the primal force within her driving her toward the intruders with a ferocity that could not be stopped.