Page 8 of Son of Shadows

Once he feasted, he would have more than just freedom.

He would have both realms in his possession and the pleasure of devouring everything on his path to victory.

The only obstacle was Ryuichi. It was possible that the boy could close the gate and trap him back in this prison, just as his mother had done.

He would never allow that.

Not again.

In fact, he would make Ryuichi pay for the sins of his parents.

Looking toward the entrance of the cave, Orochi licked his dry lips, knowing that nourishment was within reach.

“Now let’s find me something to eat,” Orochi said to the hyakume.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ryuichi grew tired as he and the others followed the tengu through the thick woods. They had been walking for miles on empty stomachs, so his weariness made sense.

“We’re nearly there,” the tengu said.

Ryuichi really wanted to know his guide’s name, but he knew better than to ask. The tengu believed that giving their name to others gave them power over them.

Ryuichi understood. Names were powerful things and should only be given to those one trusted. For all intents and purposes, Tengu was his name. After walking a few more yards, into what seemed like the middle of nowhere, Ryuichi saw the bright vermilion torii that led to the spirit realm his father ruled over. It looked like a typical gate. Except this one had the sacred emblem of his mother carved into the base.

When Haruka died and the gate became more vulnerable, yōkai and other demons were able to sneak into the human world.

That’s why Ryuichi had begun his training. To assume his role as gatekeeper.

It was a lot of responsibility, and he’d already made a mess of his reputation. He didn’t really understand his powers yet or how to use them. Much to Koichi’s dismay, progress was slow, and if Ryuichi were being honest with himself, it was terrifying to know he was the only one who could regulate the torii and protect humankind.

But was it more terrifying to venture straight into the nether world’s deadliest pit of vipers to find his demon-god father?

That remained to be seen.

Ryuichi knew from experience that yōkai were naturally tricky creatures. They seldom told the truth and were always trying to deceive others into giving them what they wanted.

With a civil war underway, they would be even more vindictive as they vied to take control of the spirit realm.

But Ryuichi wasn’t in this quest alone. Whatever the yōkai had in store, he had friends who would stand by him. Even if his powers failed him.

That’s what the optimistic side of him was thinking, at least.

As they continued their long march through the forest, Haruki came up beside Koichi and patted him on the back. “Don’t look so fretful, Drunk. Everything will be fine.”

Ryuichi was surprised by her rare show of tenderness and compassion, especially toward his sensei. Out of all of them, he was the one she hated the most.

A twisted smile lingered at the edge of her lips. “Besides, no matter how hard you try, what you do won’t matter. You’re more of a pet than a person. We only keep you around because you make us laugh.”

Ah . . . there it was.

Her brutal tongue.

He could always count on his aunt to tear someone to pieces with her daggerlike words.

Thankfully, Koichi knew better than to take Haruki’s insults seriously.

“She’s just jealous,” Ryuichi said, trying to make his sensei feel better.