Chapter 56: The Fox Did This
This was not an accident. It was a deliberate, calculated destruction carried out by someone who wanted her to see exactly what they had done.
But why would anyone do this?
Xavi was already moving through the wreckage, his nostrils flaring as he pulled scents from the air. His expression was dark, his jaw locked tight. The clan members had gathered around the edges of the destruction, watching their leader with a nervous energy that crackled through the group like heat before a storm.
"Too many scents," Xavi growled. "Everyone has slept in these shelters."
Tera felt so frustrated.
’System. Scan the wreckage. I need to know who did this.’
[Analysis: Damage was inflicted using a blunt instrument, likely a thick branch or stick]
[No claw marks detected on any surface]
[No bite marks]
[No distinct fur residue that would indicate involvement]
[(·•᷄_•᷅ )]
[Whoever did this was meticulous]
[They avoided leaving any physical trace that could identify their beast type]
[...]
[This system is impressed by the level of forethought]
[And disturbed]
Tera’s stomach turned.
Xavi had moved around, organising and questioning the clan to figure out who did this. He grew more frustrated by the second. Different beast folk had slept, moved around, and even built the shelter. Sniffing out the culprit was impossible, and it shocked him how someone had committed this act without their claws.
The results hadn’t been forthcoming, and the lack of evidence only infuriated Tera more. Especially when she had a strong conviction of who would have done this.
’Kiri had done this, hadn’t she?’
[( ╹ -╹)?]
[Host, this system may be aware of how the world works]
[But it does not keep a record of events and activities of other—]
’You have described Xavi’s and Ermin’s emotions and reactions to me. That of other beasts, too! I am sure you are perfectly capable of reading her emotions this instant!’
[⓪_⓪]
[This system understands]
[Scanning...]
[Clan member Kiri is experiencing an elevated heart rate]
[Scanning other vitals and mannerisms...]
[૮( `д´*)ა]
[GUILTY!]
[The fox female is excited and exhibiting signs of gloating!]
’That fucking skank!’ Tera nearly shrieked.
’I knew it was her. I KNEW it!’
"Kiri, how could you do this?!" Tera whirled in Kiri’s direction.
The clearing went silent.
Every head turned. First to Tera, then, slowly, to Kiri.
The fox female was standing near the back of the group, her arms loosely crossed, her tail hanging still behind her. When the eyes of the clan landed on her, her expression shifted to shock.
"What?" Kiri’s voice was soft, almost breathless, as if the accusation had physically struck her.
Tera’s body was trembling, but she didn’t care anymore if her rage was visible.
"You did this." Tera pointed at the wreckage. "You destroyed the shelters, and I know you uprooted the crops on the farm back then. You have been trying to sabotage everything I have built since I got here. What is your problem?!"
The silence that followed was deafening.
Kiri stared at Tera with wide, glistening eyes. Her lower lip trembled. The shock on her face didn’t waver; it deepened.
"I... you think I did this?"
"I know you did this!"
"But I didn’t." Kiri’s voice cracked. She looked around at the clan members as if searching for someone to confirm that this was a mistake. "I would never—why would I—"
"How should I know? Why don’t you tell me?" Tera snapped. "I have noticed how you have been acting, and I am not deaf to the whispers you have made behind my back. Why would you stoop this low?!"
Kiri’s hand came up to her chest, pressing against it as if Tera’s words had pierced something vital. Her eyes were filling rapidly, and the first tear spilled over, sliding down her cheek in a slow, perfect trail.
"That is not true," she whispered. "I was wary of you when you first came, yes. Everyone was. You were exiled for terrible things. But I have watched you work, and seen how much you have done for the clan." Her voice broke, and she pressed her lips together, visibly fighting to compose herself. "The shelters you built... I loved sleeping in them. They were the most comfortable place I have ever rested."
Another tear fell. Then another.
Tera felt the ground shift beneath her, stunned by Kiri’s perfect act.
Eyes that had been fixed on Kiri with suspicion were softening. A few of the females exchanged uneasy glances.
"I would never destroy something that we all depend on," Kiri continued, her voice thick with emotion. "I may have been unkind to you with my words, and I am sorry for that. But this?" She gestured at the wreckage, her hand shaking. "I would never do this to the clan. To accuse me of this because I was not friendly enough to you is so hurtful."
Kiri’s composure finally broke. She covered her face with both hands, and her shoulders shook with sobs that echoed across the silent clearing.
Someone moved. One of the older females stepped forward and placed a hand on Kiri’s shoulder, pulling her close.
"This is not right," the female murmured, looking at Tera with an expression that made Tera’s stomach drop. "You cannot blame someone just because you do not like them."
Another voice, one of the males from Kiri’s group, spoke up from the side. "Kiri has been nothing but helpful these past days. She assisted with the foraging and helped carry materials. Why would she destroy the very things she helped build?"
’What the fuck? What the actual fuck?!’
Tera was about to press Kiri to stop this stupid act and tell the truth when she noticed the faces around her.
They were uncomfortable and uncertain. Some of them were even looking at Tera the way they had looked at her when she first arrived, with the cautious distance of people who weren’t sure if they should trust her.
[Influence: -1]
[Host...]
[(◞‸◟)]
[I think you should stop now]
"You can’t be serious," Tera whispered, dumbfounded by what was happening.