The godswood was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls as Mary climbed high into the branches of an ancient oak. Her white hair gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and her tail flicked behind her like a banner of defiance. Jon stood below, his dark eyes wide with worry as he watched her precarious ascent.


    “Mary, be careful!” Jon called, his voice tinged with anxiety.


    Mary responded with a growl, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief as she reached for a higher branch. But as she stretched, her foot slipped, and she tumbled from the tree with a startled yelp.


    Jon acted on instinct. He lunged forward, his small hands reaching out to catch her. In his panic, he grabbed her tail, pulling her up sharply to break her fall. Mary let out a piercing scream, her tail lashing violently as she twisted in his grip. The moment her feet touched the ground, she turned on him, her tiny fists flying as she hit him repeatedly, her growls sharp and furious.


    “Mary, I’m sorry!” Jon cried, backing away, his hands raised in surrender. But Mary didn’t stop. With a final, angry growl, she turned and ran, disappearing into the trees.


    Shadow appeared moments later, his smoky form materializing beside Jon. The boy looked up at him, his eyes filled with guilt and confusion. “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” Jon said, his voice trembling. “I just wanted to catch her.”


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    Shadow’s glowing eyes softened as he knelt beside Jon. “I know,” he said, his voice a gentle whisper in Jon’s mind. “But Mary is not like other children. She doesn’t need to be caught or controlled. She needs to be free. And if you try to put a collar on her, even with good intentions, she will only fight back.”


    Jon frowned, his small hands clenching into fists. “But what if she gets hurt?”


    “She would have landed on her feet anyway,” Shadow said, his tone firm but kind. “Mary is stronger than she looks. You must trust her, Jon. Care for her, but let her be who she is.”


    Jon nodded slowly, his guilt easing as he absorbed Shadow’s words. Shadow reached into his smoky form and produced a small piece of candy, its wrapper glinting in the sunlight. “Here,” he said, handing it to Jon. “Give this to her. She’ll forgive you.”


    Jon took the candy and set off to find Mary. It didn’t take long—she was sitting by the hot springs, her tail curled around her as she pouted. Jon approached cautiously, holding out the candy like a peace offering.


    “I’m sorry, Mary,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”


    Mary eyed the candy, her growls fading into a soft hum. She snatched it from his hand, her tail flicking once before she unwrapped it and popped it into her mouth. Jon sat down beside her, and after a moment, Mary leaned against him, her earlier anger forgotten.


    Shadow watched from a distance, his glowing eyes filled with quiet satisfaction. The bond between Jon and Mary was strong, even if it was tested at times. And as long as Shadow was there to guide them, they would always find their way back to each other.