My boyfriend is a nine-tailed fox

Chapter 11: The Fox Bead’s Warning

Anita stood by the broken stone altar, her fingers grazing the edge of the pendant, which still rested against her chest. The soft glow from the fox bead pulsed under her fingertips, its warmth spreading through her body like a whisper.

She frowned, feeling something stir deep within her, as if the bead itself was... alive. It was subtle at first, like a tingling sensation in her fingertips, but soon it spread to her chest and arms, like a hum beneath her skin.

“Okay, this is definitely not normal,” Anita muttered to herself, her heart pounding with unease.

Jace watched from the doorway, his arms crossed. He had been pacing around the temple, casting wary glances at the overgrown ruins, but now his eyes narrowed on Anita.

“That’s the bead,” Jace said quietly, stepping closer. “It’s starting to connect with you.”

Anita looked up, her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Jace’s expression hardened as he moved toward her. “It’s not just a source of power. It’s more than that. The fox bead chooses a host, and once it’s linked with you... it’s not something you can just give up. It’s tied to your very soul now.”

Anita swallowed, feeling the weight of his words settle in her chest. “So, it’s... stuck with me?”

Jace nodded. “For better or worse. And right now, it’s beginning to awaken. That’s why you feel the pull. But I’m warning you, Anita…” He paused, looking into her eyes with a seriousness she hadn’t seen before. “You’re not the only one who senses it. The bead calls to others—others who are far more dangerous than anything you’ve encountered so far.”

Anita’s heart skipped a beat. “Who?”

Jace’s gaze flickered briefly to the shadows of the temple as if expecting someone to appear. “Powerful beings—spirits, sorcerers, ancient creatures—who would stop at nothing to claim the bead. They’re drawn to its energy. And they won’t hesitate to destroy anyone who stands in their way.”

A cold chill ran down Anita’s spine, but she stood tall, unwilling to show her fear. “So, what? They’ll come after me?”

Jace’s eyes hardened with concern. “Yes. They will come. The bead is a key to unimaginable power. And that power is a dangerous thing, Anita. You’re not just carrying a piece of me anymore. You’re carrying a weapon. A weapon that others will kill for.”

Anita clenched her fists, staring down at the fox-shaped pendant. It glowed brighter now, as if responding to Jace’s words. She could feel it—like a pulse, deep inside her, urging her to act. But what was it urging her to do?

Jace took a step closer, his voice softening. “I’m not saying this to scare you. I’m telling you because you need to be ready. The longer the bead stays with you, the more its power will influence you. You’ll start to change, Anita. And not all of it will be for the better.”

Her heart raced at the thought. Was she prepared for this? For whatever the bead would make her become?

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” Anita said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jace didn’t answer at first. He just watched her, his golden eyes full of quiet understanding. Finally, he spoke.

“No, you don’t. But you do have control over how you fight back. You can let the bead shape you, or you can shape yourself. That’s the only choice you have left.”

Anita’s eyes flickered back down to the pendant. It seemed to glow brighter in the dim light, almost as if it were urging her forward. The weight of it felt heavier now, but also more familiar.

“Then I’ll fight,” she said, her voice firm despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. “I’ll fight to keep control. And I’ll keep the bead from falling into the wrong hands.”

Jace gave her a small, approving nod. “I’ll help you. But remember—there are forces far older and stronger than you know. And they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want.”

Anita nodded, determination settling within her chest. She knew the road ahead would be filled with dangers she wasn’t prepared for, but she wasn’t backing down now.

With a deep breath, she looked up at Jace. “Then let’s get ready.”

.he looked up at Jace. “Then let’s get ready.”

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