In the misty forest village, a silver bell rang. The ancient trial-stone rose from the moss as watching foxes whispered, “The rite begins.”
Pippa stepped forward, the first young fox in the bloodline chosen for the rite. The village foxes leaned close beneath the dripping trees.
Pippa pressed one paw onto the stone. It rumbled, and golden pawprints appeared beside the Whispering Woods.
Pippa pulled back as leaves chattered overhead. Then Pippa followed the glowing prints past a fallen log.
A sudden gust scattered the pawprints like golden crumbs. Pippa searched under ferns and listened to the whispering forest.
A tiny print shone on a crooked root. Pippa reached toward it and thought, “One step more.”
Pippa placed one trembling paw on the final print. The woods roared, and mist spun into a fox-shaped cloud.
Pippa nearly tumbled backward, but stepped ahead. The ancient family mark glowed in the bark.
The forest grew quiet. Three bright notes rang from the village bell, clear through the trees.
Pippa walked home through the mist with muddy paws beside the glowing trail. At the stone, Pippa left one shining print for the next young fox.