Haruma rolled a cleaning caddy to him. “Here. Another servant should have already stocked this cart for you, but remember what supplies you need to do your job.”

That morning was busy touring the castle and being introduced to others. The never-ending Beauty and the Beast-like rooms were overwhelming. Hyeon had to tell himself that it was the first day—everyone felt this way during the first few weeks of a new job. But then again, not everyone had an energy-sucking wolf deity for a boss.

“You’ve seen most of the castle, but your key priority is the Master’s quarters and occasional outside work.”

Hyeon questioned, “Sir, can I ask why I’m in charge of that area and not someone else?”

“For your soul. If Master needs energy, you’re at his beck and call. It’s always been the intern’s responsibility.”

Hyeon thought about how Fenrir was desperate for soul energy when they first met. The giant canine form and urgent need to touch was all too fresh in his mind. He shivered. “H-how long has it been since the last dýr was here?”

“Hmm. A while ago. We had problems with compliance, so that person wasn’t here for long.”

“But I thought a contract couldn’t be terminated for that sort of thing.”

What in the world could they have done to be let go early?

“It can’t,” Haruma said without revealing too much information. It must be a confidential matter.

Haruma held up his wrist to reveal his insignia. It seems everyone had the same design. “You do not need to see Master every day. You’ll feel his call through this mark when he needs you.”

Hyeon rubbed his imprint. He still didn’t know what the letters meant. “What does it feel like when he needs me? How will I know?”

His trainer shrugged. “The sense of being summoned is different for each individual. Currently, I know some feel an itch while others feel like their arm is being snapped in two. I believe how they feel it depends on their past sins.”

“What do you feel, sir?”

Haruma didn’t reply. Instead, he chose a few cleaning items from the caddy and explained their use. This was the most he had heard him speak since being here. Who knew he’d have more enthusiasm for work, of all things?

“...be wary of acid on your gloves, which could leave permanent prints on the furniture. This brush can be used on textiles while this is meant for drawers…”

Curiosity nagged at Hyeon. Although this white fox was respected as an authoritative figure and was helpful in an odd way… he was sent to this side of the aurora for a reason.

What did he do to end up here?

A few hours passed while learning about how to do things. The work generally wasn’t difficult, it was just a lot. 

As they backtracked through the hallways, Hyeon heard a commotion ahead. A small group of demon spirits were gathered around a circle, cheering on whoever was in the middle. Their usually passive expressions now showed menacing grins. Everyone’s feral eyes observed whatever was happening in front of them. 

“Stay here. Don’t talk to anyone,” Haruma instructed with a stern voice.

Hyeon nodded. Without hesitation, his instructor walked towards the disordered huddle. Light gray smoke—similar to a fire—wisped off his body as if he was ready to ignite… ready to shift. The circle of servants noticed him approaching, lowering their faces quickly, knowing the offenders would be punished. After scrambling to the sides, two fighting servants were revealed in the middle. 

It was challenging to get a good look at them from their scuffling, but Hyeon could make out some—dark brown, feathered tufts stuck out from one’s short hair, his wings splayed from his backside. He had curved black talons as fingernails, aiming to rip out their opponent’s throat. The opponent was a sort of rodent with white and gray hair. His hairless tail whipped back and forth to knock the other off their feet. Several punches were thrown, along with some nasty verbiage. 

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from a dirty sewer rat to accidentally spill bleach on my shoes,” the bird-like servant taunted.

“Perhaps if owls weren’t so far-sighted, they would have noticed someone restocking the bleach bottle beside them. Besides, we both know who has more power between us,” retorted the mostly human rodent as he attempted to snag a wing and break it.

Haruma stood nearby and called their names, “Clem. Hearne.”

But they didn’t hear him. The rat finally tripped the other—SLAM—to the floor.

Clem said in victory, “Just because my name means merciful doesn’t mean I’ll give you any. What a fine hunter you turned out to be, Hearne.” He raised his sharp claws high in the air, going for the kill against their natural predator…

…Until the two flew to the opposite ends of the hallway by a hidden force. Landing roughly on the ground, they looked bewildered at the interruption. Hearne remained on the ground, rubbing his back. 

Clem cracked his neck while stumbling up. “Whoever did that is dead—!” He paused when seeing who was responsible. The rat fell back down in shock, fear flashing across his eyes. 

In the spot they were brawling was enveloped by dense smoke. Two purple eyes glowed through the dark vapor. Haruma stepped out of the gray cloud. 

Instead of one tail, there were nine.

Hyeon was awestruck.

He’s a… kitsune!