<Episode 4>
The jackal gave his two sons a look that told them to stay quiet.
However, Theo and Deon firmly held Kitty's trembling hands.
"Mother, this is Kitty. She's a young but spirited wolf pup."
"She came all this way after hearing Gridwolf offers jobs to orphaned wolves in need."
"...Hellooo."
Sniffling, Kitty pulled her hand free from Theo's grasp and offered it. Though visibly reluctant, Caris took Kitty's hand in a brief shake.
Unlike the three wolves who'd held their breath at her soft palms, Caris's face only grew more pinched after the handshake.
'She hates my squishy paws. Will I get kicked out now?'
Still sniffling, Kitty clung to Caris's hand. Her desperate voice quivered with moisture.
"I-I can sing for you until you feel better! On sunny days, I'll gather armfuls of wildflowers. When the moon swells full, I'll open curtains for stargazing."
"......"
"If I bother you, put me on chimney duty! I learned sweeping before talking! So please..."
Kitty looked up through tear-clumped lashes.
"Couldn't I work here just a little? I'll vanish like a ghost!"
Only wet sniffles echoed through the chamber.
Kitty's face was already a tear-streaked disaster.
After prolonged pained expressions, Caris finally reached out to wipe Kitty's eyes.
"First, dry these tears. Then a proper bath."
"B-bath?!"
Kitty's tears instantly evaporated as her fur bristled from ears to tail.
'I hate baths! Water's the worst! Soaked fur feels disgusting!'
But she was brave pup Kitty now. Clutching Caris's sleeve, she asked as maturely as possible:
"C-could we add rubber duckies...?"
"Miss, over here."
"Eep!"
I jumped at the sudden voice.
A wolf beastwoman smiled by the steaming tub. "I'm Lena Gray, your bath assistant. Call me Mrs. Gray."
Though my first elderly wolf encounter, her presence felt undiminished. If those half-lidded golden eyes narrowed, I'd crumble. Time to be brave.
I lifted my tattered hem in greeting. "Mrs. Gray! I'm Kitty, a plucky young wolf. Gridwolf said he helps orphans find work, so-"
"My, so young! But you've come right. Our master even employs dull-sensed crones like me."
"Really?"
When she tilted her head, I stepped closer. "Rea-lly?"
"Indeed. He treats all wolves as family. Now, let's tend those wounds."
"I can wash myself!"
Demonstrating, I splashed my face. Mrs. Gray shook her head.
"That's cat-washing. Come."
"But our cats stayed clean..." I sniffled.
As I approached, she frowned through thick lenses. "These buttons are ancient..."
Snick!
Wolf claws severed my buttons. "Mommy!"
"Apologies, dear. But these rags must be discarded."
"O-okay. They're fifthhand anyway. But could I keep a button?"
"Certainly. I'll set them aside."
Now gentle again, she combed my matted hair. "We'll need a trim later."
"Cut lots?"
"Just ends. First, a wash and conditioner."
"Journeying's rough. But once employed, I'll style it proper!"
"Pigtails would charm. Now, where's your luggage?"
"Just... what I'm wearing."
"Then those wardrobes will stay empty." She gestured to polished cabinets.
"Wardrobes?"
"Yours now. The young masters prepared this room."
"But Mrs. Gridwolf hasn't-"
She lifted me effortlessly. "Bath time. You're light as down."
"Y-yes!"
Water stung my road-weary feet. My burial-blistered hands throbbed.
'Cracked claws too. Ouch.'
Splash!
Water engulfed me. My tail shot up despite myself. Mrs. Gray's nose twitched, glasses askew.
"What's that odor?"
"L-long time unwashed!"
I hid my tail. Plop! Rubber ducks bobbed into view. Distracted, I poked them until extraction.
"Strange. The scent lingers..." Her pupils suddenly sharpened.
'Ears and tail hidden!'
"Miss... your eyes."
"Eh?"
"Emerald irises. Unseen in wolves."
"I'm from... far away?"
No narrowed eyes followed. Cat-rare eyes fascinated them here among golden-eyed wolves.
"Soft-paw's eyes are picnics by lakes," Mom used to say. "Green meadows meeting clear waters."
I'd need to write that down... once I learned letters.
Antiseptic stung my wounds. Clean white dress soothed me.
"Warm and soft. Thank you."
"Now, let's comb properly."
Lulled by combing, I drowsed until-"You're skin and bones! Eat well for glossy fur."
"Really?"
"Your curls suggest northern roots. Thick coats ward against cold."
"Yes! Drafty home, ceiling leaks, double pajamas! But Mom's hugs warmed best."
"Northern territory then?"
"Not sure. Always lacked firewood!"
"......"
Suddenly, her combing intensified. Sweet conditioner enveloped me.
"Radiant now. The young masters will approve."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gray!"
She kissed my cheek. "Rest, little warrior."
I奔向fluffy bed.
Wait-
Mirror glimpse stopped me. My hair... changed color?!
