The silence of the underground chamber was heavy, broken only by the sound of Dua's shallow breathing. She felt as though a thousand eyes were watching her from the darkness Suddenly, a faint rustle came from behind a row of ancient stone statues.
Two glowing, sapphire blue eyes emerged from the shadows. Dua stepped back, her heart leaping into her throat. But instead of a monster, a small, elegant creature stepped into the light. It was a fox, but like nothing Dua had ever seen in her history books.
Its fur was a shimmering, metallic silver that seemed to catch the faint amber glow of the Golden key. Most strikingly, the creature had three long, fluffy tails that left a trail of glittering stardust whenever they moved. Around its neck was a delicate silver collar with a glowing gem that matched Zian's mysterious medallion.
"Do not be afraid, Guardian, " a melodic, feminine voice echoed thought the chamber. Dua looked around wildly, but there was no one else there.
" Did..... did you just speak? " Dua stammered, pointing a trembling finger at the fox.
The silver fox inclined its head gracefully. "My name is huli. I am your guide, bound by an ancient oath to protect the one who holds the key. That Golden key in your hand has awakened me from a slumber that lasted centuries. "
Huli stepped forward, brushing one of her soft tails against Dua's hand. A wave of unnatural calm washed over Dua, easing her panic. 'Shanghai is changing, Dua. The old shadows are stirring, and Zian, the Gatekeeper, cannot hold them back alone. You must come with me. "
Dua looked into the Fox's deep blue eyes and realized her life as a simple shopkeeper was over. A path of magic, danger, and ancient secrets lay ahead.