<Episode 8>
"I can't grab the handle because I'm holding both of your hands."
"Fine. I'll open it this time. But next time, use your own hands."
When Deon opened the door with a snicker, sunlight flooded in, making me blink. Maids cleaning the room with open windows bowed their heads as we entered.
Deon's voice turned brusque as he dismissed everyone. "Out."
"Malangsone, I'll introduce the staff properly after registration. First, let's focus on the funeral portrait."
"Okay."
His tone softened when addressing me, clearly making allowances for my small stature.
The sun-dried sofa cover felt crisp yet fluffy under me. Though my own room was bright, Deon's quarters felt more spacious and refined - befitting a young master.
While Theo arranged premium paper, empty frames, and vibrant art supplies, Deon settled me onto a chair.
"You're feather-light. Should've doubled your snacks."
"Wouldn't that be excessive...?"
"Come by my room anytime you're peckish. It's right next to Theo's. I'll keep salmon jerky stocked daily."
"Thank you, Lord Deon."
"That 'Lord' business..." He waved it off. "We'll take it slow. A proper older brother can be patient."
He clearly wanted me to say 'oppa.' I bit back a smile as he chuckled and stroked my upright ears.
Theo returned from storing art supplies, shooting Deon a petulant look.
"Monopolizing her when I turned my back?"
"Be the bigger brother and indulge me this once."
The slightly more mature Theo pulled a childish face. When I stared, they both coughed awkwardly. Theo adopted his most adult tone.
"These supplies should work perfectly with the frame size."
"Thank you."
I gripped my pencil, ready to meticulously recreate my family's faces from memory.
As I drew, I sensed the brothers whispering.
"Look! Her tail mirrors the pencil movements."
"Unbelievable..."
Their eyes focused behind me. I hunched my shoulders, tucking my tail away.
"Baby wolves make mistakes too!"
"Sorry, Malangsone. We'll behave."
The unconscious tail swaying embarrassed me. Mom always said I'd outgrow it, but it still felt childish.
A snack tray arrived as I worked.
"Cookie?" Deon offered.
"Just one," I huffed. Crumbs scattered on my brother's portrait.
'Now he'll smell like shortbread!' I brushed them off hastily.
Drawing my smiling family while nibbling treats lifted my spirits. Though I'd accidentally made them all similarly proportioned, their larger sizes compared to mine felt right.
Theo watched me color Mom's gray locks and the men's brown hair. "Tell us about them."
"Mom gave warm hugs and my nickname. Dad and brother were heroes on missions, always bringing gifts."
"And the three siblings-to-be?" Theo asked gently.
I traced the blank space. "Never born. I couldn't draw them."
With sunset approaching, I requested: "May I use the back? I'll be quick."
The brothers waited as I secretly sketched our feline forms - Mom's folded ear, Dad's sunset-gilded fur, Brother's caramel stripes. Three kisses for Mom's belly where the littles slept.
"Sunset's starting!" I panicked. Theo framed the artwork as Lady Caris entered.
"Skillfully done. This will honor them."
She led me to a wolf-engraved door where Lord Jackal waited.
"Your room."
"But my assigned-"
"Kitiya Gridwolf's room." The wolf-shaped handle marked temporary acceptance. My chest warmed.
Three candles and chrysanthemums waited in a glass display. "When these burn out, they'll reach peace."
The door burst open - disheveled brothers bearing three unopened buds and tiny candles.
"For the littles," Deon panted.
Tears welled as they patted my head. "Couldn't forget our sister's worries."
"Decorate quickly," Theo urged.
Smiling through tears, I placed the offerings - my families, both lost and found, waiting together.
