That night, Melisa wondered. She wondered a lot, actually.
[If this illness isn't natural... Can I spot it as it happens?]
Sure, the hypothesis was shaky at best, but if she could see one of these kitsune getting sick in real time, it would absolutely be a tremendous help.
The next evening, instead of heading straight to the bar, Melisa wandered the village with her essence detection fully active. She moved through quiet streets, past closed shops and small houses, scanning for anything unusual.
[What am I even looking for? Someone in the middle of getting their essence drained? Like I'd just stumble across that happening in real time.]
Still, she kept walking. The village was peaceful at this hour. Most people were either at home or gathered in the various bars and eateries, doing what kitsune do best: drinking, laughing, and fucking. Melisa passed a group of kitsune on a porch, their signatures bright and healthy. Nothing out of the ordinary.
