𝟹𝚛𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙿𝙾𝚅:
Ezume watched as the golden orb of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a rich palette of twilight hues across the sky. The first stars began to twinkle, and she felt a familiar, restless energy surge through her veins. Nightfall was her favorite time, the world cloaked in shadows and mystery, a perfect playground for a ten-year-old demon girl. She loved exploring the darkened woods, feeling the cool night air on her skin, and searching for nocturnal creatures to befriend.
As the silver glow of the full moon began to rise, casting a gentle light over their small, secluded home, Ezume's attention was drawn to the warm, inviting glow coming from the kitchen. Her mother was there, as she often was at this hour, preparing their evening meal. The sight of her mother brought a smile to Ezume's face, and she felt a surge of affection well up inside her.
Without a second thought, she dashed inside and flung herself at her mother, wrapping her small arms around her mother's legs. At her age, Ezume's head barely reached her mother's waist, and she had to tilt her head back to look up at her. Her mother, lost in her culinary tasks, didn't notice the sudden embrace until Ezume's excited voice filled the room.
"Mother, Mother! Where have you been? Father and I were worried about you. We thought that the demon slayers had found you since you are a demon..."
Ezume's words tumbled out in a rush, her young mind not yet fully understanding the gravity of what she was saying. Her mother, however, understood all too well. She glanced down with her sweet and soft dark blue eyes, eyes that Ezume adored and found so comforting. But tonight, there was something different in those eyes, a sadness and a hint of fear that made Ezume's heart clench.
When her mother looked at her like that, Ezume knew something was wrong. It was the same look her mother had given her when a boy at school had called her a monster because of her sharp fangs. Her mother had comforted her then, telling her not to worry about it and that mommy would handle it. But tonight, the look was deeper, more troubled.
"I need to tell you something, my moonlight," her mother said softly, using the pet name that always made Ezume feel special. "It's something that you can't even tell Mei, and not anybody."
Ezume's eyes widened at this. Mei was their pet, a small creature with the ability to talk, though she had a reputation for being a bit of a snitch. Despite this, Ezume loved Mei with all her heart. Mei was her only real friend, the only one who didn't mock her because of her last name, "Forgotten Child." The other children would act as if they didn't see her, pretending she wasn't there. This made Ezume angry, and more than once, she had come close to using her sharp fangs in retaliation. But instead of biting, she had kicked one of the bullies so hard that he flew into the school wall.
Her mother's tone was serious, and Ezume could sense the gravity of the situation. She nodded solemnly, indicating that she would keep the secret.
"I love someone else other than daddy," her mother began, her voice barely above a whisper. "His name is... well, you'll find that out later. He loves me and you. You haven't met him yet, but I've told him all about you and how much you would like him. You two are so similar that it's funny."
Ezume's mind raced. Someone else? Another man? She had never considered the possibility. Her father, despite his flaws, was still her father. He had his moments of kindness and love, but they were becoming fewer and farther between as his drinking and drug use worsened. It pained Ezume to see him like that, and she often wished he could be the father he once was.
"After daddy stops getting drunk and doing drugs, we can be a happy family," her mother continued, her voice tinged with hope and sadness. "But until then, we have to be careful. We can't let anyone know about this, okay?"
