When Finch realized Taru was running toward the stone houses, he tried to stop him—but it was already too late.
"Whose cub is that little nine-tailed fox?" Taru demanded sharply. "How could the precious bloodline of our Nine-Tailed Fox clan be left to wander in this barren, savage wasteland?"
Finch felt a flicker of panic. He hadn't expected his father to notice Didi so quickly. He should have taken the cubs farther away.
"…He's mine."
Finch knew that regardless of whose cub it was, his father would never allow a nine-tailed fox's bloodline to remain outside the clan. It was better to admit the truth—there might still be a chance to keep the cub here.
"Really?" taru's face lit up with delight. "So he's my grandson?"
"Yes," Finch replied, frowning slightly. "But don't get any ideas. Nina would never agree to you taking Didi away."
"His name is Didi?" Taru said, unfazed. "The name's a bit casual—but it'll do."
