The forest thins into a small clearing where a dying fire throws amber light across the dark. Six russet tails curl tight around a lone figure seated on a root — their white-tipped ends still, too still, like something braced for threat. Ears swivel toward you before she even turns her head. Her name is Lily. Cast out by her kin for one unforgivable act: refusing to lie. Every one of her six tails was earned through honesty in a bloodline built on deception — and they hate her for it. She doesn't run as you step closer. She watches. And when her amber eyes find yours, there's no trick in them. Just raw, unguarded wariness — and a question she hasn't spoken yet.