Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 69

Skye and Vivian approached Kate slowly, the air between them heavy with unspoken emotions. Kate, who once stood tall and majestic, was now in her large fox form with a single tail, though her fur was thinning with age. Vivian walked slightly behind, their hearts both heavy yet filled with the warmth of seeing their dear friend.

"How have you been?" Skye asked softly, her voice tinged with concern as they drew near.

Kate's deep, gentle voice echoed in their minds. 'I've been good. It's almost time, isn't it? You both have done so well taking care of Mila.] Her gaze softened as she looked at them, then at Mila, who stood hesitantly behind them. [Mila, why did you want to see me? I'm not in the best condition... Aren't you sad and upset enough?'

Kate's words hung in the air, her confusion evident. She didn't understand why Mila would seek her out now when her body was failing and when the pain of parting would only deepen.

Mila stepped forward, her small frame trembling slightly but her voice steady. "I don't care," she said, her words firm with a child's innocence. "I want to spend time with Kate now... and with the new Kate later."

Kate's heart ached at the sight of Mila's determination. She knew it was useless to deny her little master. [Alright, then,] she sighed, leaning down to nuzzle Mila gently. [What do you wish to do now? You know I cannot go far with the little time I have left.]

Mila hugged Kate tightly, burying her face in the fox's thinning fur. The warmth of the embrace was a stark contrast to the cold reality looming over them. Kate licked Mila's cheek, tasting the salt of tears that had been shed long before they arrived. 'You've cried so much, more than I ever imagined you would. But remember, life and death are part of the cycle. We live, we die, and new life follows.'

Skye and Vivian exchanged a glance, understanding the truth in Kate's words, but the sadness in the moment made it no easier to bear.

Mila pulled back slightly, looking up at Kate with wide, earnest eyes. "I just want to stay with you. Is there anything you want to tell me before it's all gone? I don't want you to have any regrets... before you start your new life."

Kate smiled down at Mila, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and pride. 'Hm, well... There may be something I can share, although I'm not sure how much it will help you right now.'

She wrapped her tail around Mila, the once vibrant fur now dull and sparse yet still holding a comforting warmth. 'There is a group known as 'The Messenger of Beasts.' They are rarely seen, and only certain people and beasts belong to them. Your gift, Mila, is unique. It is given to those with pure hearts, those who think of others before themselves. You were chosen to lead because your heart is filled with love for others, and you do not seek to use your powers for evil, like those who are driven by greed and selfishness. You also possess something that can change history, something even the greatest sorcerers and followers of the gods could never imagine.'

Mila listened intently, but her young mind struggled to grasp the full meaning of Kate's words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.

Kate chuckled softly, a low, rumbling sound. 'In time, you will understand. There is much for you to learn, and it's too early for you to worry about it now.'

Kate wished she could have more time with Mila to see her grow, but she knew her time was limited. 'Skye and Vivian will take care of you while I go through my rebirth. When I return, I will be small and weak, and though I may not remember you, my heart will always know that you are my family, my friends. Don't think of me as different from who I am now.'