The palace corridors were quiet, bathed in soft morning light.
Snowflake padded forward on silent paws, his white fur glowing faintly against the marble floor. After Prince Leon had left, curiosity had finally won. He wanted to see more of the palace—more of this strange, beautiful world he now lived in.
He turned a corner—
And stopped.
Someone was there.
A girl stood near a tall window, sunlight spilling around her like a halo. She wore a simple yet elegant dress in shades of ivory and gold. Her long, pale-blonde hair flowed down her back, and her clear, gentle eyes shone with a holy warmth.
Princess Lyra Glacierborn.
Snowflake froze.
Princess…!
Before he could retreat, Lyra turned.
Her gaze landed on him—and instantly softened.
"Oh…!" she whispered, taking a small step closer. "What a beautiful fox…"
Snowflake's heart skipped.
She can see me.
Lyra knelt slowly, careful not to scare him. Unlike others, there was no greed or curiosity in her eyes—only warmth.
"You're not an ordinary fox, are you?" she said gently.
Snowflake's ears twitched.
At that moment, Lyra's expression changed slightly. Her hand lifted to her chest, fingers pressing lightly over her heart.
"…I feel something," she murmured. "A quiet light. And something else… hidden beneath it."
Her holy element was reacting.
Snowflake felt it too—a soft pull, as if her presence resonated with something deep inside him.
He took a hesitant step forward.
Lyra smiled, her face brightening like morning sunlight.
"You don't need to be afraid," she said softly. "I won't hurt you."
She reached out, stopping just short of touching him, giving him the choice.
After a brief pause, Snowflake leaned in.
Her fingers brushed his fur.
Warmth spread through his body—not overwhelming, but comforting. Lyra gasped softly.
"It's true…" she whispered. "You're special."
Snowflake looked up at her, their eyes meeting.
For a split second—
Lyra saw something strange in his gaze.
Intelligence.
Emotion.
Almost… human.
Her breath caught.
"…You're not just a fox," she said quietly.
Snowflake's tail flicked in panic.
Did she figure it out?!
Before she could say more, footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.
Lyra stood quickly.
"Someone's coming," she whispered, smiling gently at him. "We'll talk again, little one."
She stepped back, giving him a playful wink.
"I'll call you Snowflake too. It suits you."
As servants rounded the corner, Snowflake slipped away, his heart racing.
Behind him, Princess Lyra watched his retreating form, her hand still resting over her heart.
"…That fox," she murmured, eyes shining.
"Someday… he'll tell me his secret."
And far away, Snowflake ran—
Knowing one thing for certain.
Princess Lyra was dangerous.
Not because of power—
But because she could see him.