Void (The Youngest, Book 3.B.)

Chapter 十 (B)

Kira sat cross-legged on Scott's bed, flipping through the book until she found the section on Kitsunes. Scott settled beside her, his eyes drawn to an illustration of a multi-tailed fox surrounded by streams of lightning.

"That looks a lot like what happened to you at the power station," he observed, leaning closer to study the picture.

Kira nodded, brushing her fingers over the page. "When a Kitsune rubs its tails together, it can create fire or lightning. It's called foxfire." She glanced at Scott, who seemed focused on the tails. "I don't have any tails," she added with a playful smile.

Scott scoffed, looking a little embarrassed. "How'd you know I was thinking about that?"

"Because Kitsunes are also psychic." Kira leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I can hear all your thoughts."

Scott's eyes widened in alarm for a split second, and then he caught her smirk. "Oh, very funny," he said, his expression softening.

"Just kidding," Kira giggled, and Scott joined in. Their laughter echoed in the room, but Kira's gaze soon drifted toward the window, her smile fading. The sunlight was dimming, shadows lengthening across the walls.

"The sun's setting," she whispered, a note of unease in her voice.

Scott nodded, a tightness forming in his chest. They both knew what the setting sun meant—nightfall brought danger. He turned to Kira, his voice gentle but urgent. "Are you scared?"

Kira's eyes met his, her brows knitting together for a moment. She shook her head, her voice steady but soft. "Not right now," she said.

Scott's heart thudded in his chest, and for a second, the world seemed to shrink around them. He felt himself leaning closer, and Kira wasn't pulling away. The warmth of her breath touched his skin, and his eyes dipped down to her lips.

Suddenly, Kira drew back, her gaze shifting away. "I'm supposed to be back before dinner," she murmured, breaking the spell between them.

Scott blinked, his face heating slightly. He nodded quickly, trying to think of a solution. "Tell them you can't make it," he suggested, a hint of desperation in his voice.

Kira hesitated. "What should I say?"

"Uh..." Scott hesitated before smiling. "Say you're on a date."

Kira's eyes widened in surprise, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asked, her tone playful. "You know, foxes and wolves don't really get along."

She flipped the page, revealing an illustration of a Kitsune surrounded by snarling wolves, their teeth bared, poised for attack. Scott took a deep breath, staring at the drawing, then shut the book with a resolute snap.

"That's just a children's story," he whispered. His eyes found hers, and they drew closer again, caught in a moment of silent understanding. Scott's pulse raced, and just as they were about to kiss, the sound of a car door slamming interrupted them. They jerked apart, the spell shattered.

"My mom's back," Scott said, trying not to sound too annoyed. They both stood and began to head downstairs, but as Scott reached the landing, he froze.

It wasn't his mom's car parked out front—it was his dad's. Agent McCall stepped through the door, keys jangling in his hand, looking right at Scott.

"What are you doing here? And why do you still have a key?" Scott's voice was cold, his eyes narrowing.

His father's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Funny you mention keys. Because while I still have a key to this house, I'm not sure how you managed to get a key to my office." He held up his laptop, the screen displaying a grainy security photo of Scott and Kira in the evidence room.