Golden sparks danced in the air as Naomi lunged at the nearest intruder, instincts sharper than she thought possible guiding her movements. Her sleek, white form became a blur as she sank her teeth into the attacker’s cloak, yanking him off balance.

"Argh!" the man grunted, his sword clattering to the ground.

Naomi released her grip and darted back, heart racing. Did I actually just do that?

Seraphina, standing tall with her sword glinting under the moonlight, moved with practiced grace. "Leave now, or face the consequences," she commanded, her voice as cold as steel.

The leader of the intruders sneered beneath his dark hood. "The Duchess of Eleanore threatening us? How amusing."

With a flick of his hand, the other two attackers rushed forward. Seraphina met them head-on, her blade striking sparks as it clashed against theirs. Naomi’s ears flattened against her head as the sharp ring of steel filled the night.

I can’t just stand here! Naomi thought fiercely. I have to help her.

Summoning the strange energy she had felt earlier, Naomi focused on the golden light within her. Warmth blossomed through her limbs, and her paws tingled as the glow returned, brighter this time.

The second attacker lunged at Seraphina, his dagger aimed for her side. Without thinking, Naomi bounded forward, a beam of shimmering light shooting from her body and striking the man square in the chest.

He flew backward with a cry, landing in a crumpled heap on the grass.

Seraphina spared Naomi a brief glance, surprise flickering in her violet eyes. "Impressive," she murmured before parrying another strike.

The leader of the intruders cursed under his breath. "Retreat!" he barked, realizing the tide had turned.

The remaining attackers scrambled to their feet and fled into the shadows, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Silence settled over the garden, broken only by the heavy breathing of Seraphina and Naomi.

Seraphina sheathed her sword with a metallic hiss. "That was... unexpected." She knelt beside Naomi, her expression both curious and grateful. "You're no ordinary fox, are you?"

Naomi wagged her tail sheepishly. If only you knew.

Seraphina’s lips curved into a rare smile. "Whatever you are, I’m glad you’re on my side."

Back inside the estate, Seraphina had summoned Leon and several other guards to secure the perimeter. The atmosphere was tense but controlled as the household staff cleaned up the aftermath of the attack.

Naomi sat on a cushioned chair near the fireplace in Seraphina’s private chambers, her body still buzzing with residual energy.

"You’re quite the warrior, aren’t you?" Seraphina remarked as she entered the room, her expression softer than usual.

Naomi barked modestly.

Seraphina sat down beside her, resting a hand on Naomi’s head. "Tonight only confirms what I already suspected—Duke Reinhardt is growing desperate. But thanks to you, we were able to fend off his latest scheme."

Naomi tilted her head thoughtfully. Reinhardt won’t stop until he either controls Seraphina or destroys her. We need to be ready.

As if reading her thoughts, Seraphina sighed. "Things are going to get worse before they get better." She stroked Naomi’s fur absently. "But I suppose with you here, I have a bit more hope."

Naomi's heart warmed at the trust in Seraphina’s voice. Despite the dangers, she felt a growing sense of purpose. She had been brought to this world for a reason—and that reason was standing right in front of her.

The following morning, the estate buzzed with activity. Guards patrolled the grounds in double shifts, and whispers of the previous night’s events spread among the staff.

Naomi trotted alongside Seraphina as the duchess made her rounds, inspecting the damage and speaking with key members of her household.

"We need to strengthen our defenses," Seraphina told Leon, who walked beside them. "I won’t let Reinhardt catch us off guard again."

Leon nodded grimly. "Agreed. I’ll increase the guard presence and implement stricter security protocols."

Naomi’s ears perked up as she listened. Good. They’re taking this seriously.

As they returned to the main hall, Seraphina paused and looked down at Naomi. "You know," she said thoughtfully, "I never imagined a fox would become my most trusted ally."

Naomi barked in amusement.

Seraphina smiled. "Perhaps it’s time I gave you a proper name."

Naomi blinked in surprise. A name?

Seraphina tapped her chin, her expression thoughtful. "How about... Yuki? It means 'snow,' fitting for your white fur."

Naomi considered it. Not bad. I can work with that. She wagged her tail in approval.

"Yuki it is, then," Seraphina declared with a smile.

As days turned into weeks, Naomi—now officially Yuki—became an integral part of Seraphina’s life. The bond between them deepened, built on trust and shared experiences.

Yuki's presence brought subtle but meaningful changes to the estate. Seraphina, once isolated and burdened by the weight of her title, began to show glimpses of warmth and vulnerability. The staff, initially wary of the strange fox, grew fond of Yuki’s mischievous yet protective nature.

But Naomi knew that danger still loomed on the horizon. Reinhardt was not one to give up easily, and his next move would likely be even more ruthless.

We’ll be ready, Naomi vowed silently. Seraphina won’t face this alone.

One evening, as they sat by the fireplace in Seraphina’s study, the duchess spoke quietly. "You’ve changed things, Yuki."

Naomi tilted her head curiously.

Seraphina’s gaze was distant, thoughtful. "Before you came, I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. But now..." She smiled faintly. "I don’t feel so alone anymore."

Naomi’s heart swelled with determination. Neither do I.

The journey had only just begun, but one thing was certain: together, they would rewrite the story—Seraphina’s fate, and perhaps even the fate of the entire kingdom.