Twilight deepened as the townsfolk gathered along the riverbank, their solemn faces illuminated by the soft glow of hundreds of handmade lanterns.
The water reflected their light like scattered stars fallen to earth.
Suki approached with five delicate paper lanterns, each suspended from a slender bamboo frame.
"For those we've lost," she said quietly, distributing them one by one.
Rui accepted hers with reverence, the weight of it nothing compared to the burden of responsibility she felt.
The light flickered against her face, casting shadows that danced across her features.
"It's a tradition older than the town itself," explained Suki "We believe souls need guidance to find their way home."
Zou held his lantern at eye level, his normally playful expression replaced by something ancient and knowing.
His eight remaining tails remained hidden, but his golden eyes reflected centuries of witnessing mortal grief.
