Xu Yunlian smiled kindly and guided a mild dumpling toward Poppy’s bowl.
“Try this one, child. It will not challenge you quite so fiercely.”
Poppy took a careful bite. Comfort bloomed instantly.
She exhaled. “Much safer.”
Mingjun nodded solemnly. “We will introduce you to our hotter dishes slowly. It is a journey.”
Minghua leaned closer, tone earnest. “If you wish to like spicy foods, I will help you practice. But only a little at a time.”
“Minghua,” Mingxi said softly, “your idea of ‘a little’ is questionable.”
The girl gasped. “I am very gentle!”
“You are many things,” Mingjun murmured.
She swatted him lightly.
Xu Yunlian hid a smile behind her sleeve. Mingzhao watched with quiet approval, occasionally offering Poppy dishes while explaining their preparation. For the first time, Poppy felt the rhythm of a family table—warmth overlapping with teasing, affection tucked into every gesture.
Mingxi leaned slightly toward her. “Are you well?”
Poppy nodded, though her cheeks still felt warm. “Yes. The food is wonderful. I simply… chose boldly.”
“A fair word,” Mingjun murmured.
Minghua smiled at Poppy with genuine admiration. “You did not flinch. Most visitors cry.”
“Minghua,” Mingxi said under his breath.
“What? It is true.”
Poppy laughed softly, surprising even herself. “I may have come close.”
Minghua’s eyes sparkled. “You managed it far better than Mingjun did his first time.”
“Minghua!” Mingjun protested.
“It is family history. It must be shared.”
Poppy hid her grin in her teacup as Mingxi looked to the ceiling with a long-suffering exhale. They continued eating, and slowly the conversation shifted—small stories, memories, gentle humor. Xu Yunlian made sure Poppy’s bowl was always full. Mingzhao asked about her travels in the human realm. Minghua offered to show her the best vantage points to watch the moonrise. Mingjun recounted a harmless mishap involving foxfire lanterns and a startled Guardian.
By the time the meal ended, Poppy felt warm—not from the spice, but from something deeper. A sense of belonging she had not expected. As they rose from the table, Minghua touched Poppy’s sleeve, voice quiet and sincere.
“I hope you feel welcome,” she said. “Truly.”
Poppy’s throat tightened. “I do.”
Poppy could feel Mingxi watching her closely, something gentle stirring behind his steady gaze.
Deep in the Fox Council’s lower chamber, the elders gathered around a circular stone table. Its surface was carved with lunar sigils and dripping with foxfire. The magical portrait hung above the table, ink shimmering with unstable life.
Elder Shenwu traced a sigil in the air.
The portrait hissed.
Elder Lan frowned. “The blast residue on her corrupted side… it is old magic. Older than the clans.”
