***
Mai Xiaomai didn't go out to play with Maya anymore, lest her unhealed wounds burst open, but rather continued to read Abis's book.
Abis seemed to be making clothes.
As dusk fell, Pus returned.
To everyone's surprise, he was carrying a furry little creature that resembled a wolf cub.
This wolf cub was entirely black except for a distinctive crimson flourish on its forehead, like a flickering flame, and its eyes were deep blue, rolling about without a trace of shyness, as though it was a pet dog raised outside.
Seeing the wolf cub, Abis displayed a rare look of astonishment on his usually calm face, and took it from Pus's arms to study it closely before uttering, "A nether wolf."
"Grandpa, what is a nether wolf?"
Pus asked puzzled.
"A wolf from our clan's legends that can communicate with spirits, where did you find it?"
Abis stroked the little nether wolf as he inquired.
"In the cliffs. I was chasing a wild rabbit, then fell down and saw it,"
