As the days went by, Anita found herself thinking more and more about the fox bead. It was such a small object, yet it held immense power and was integral to Jace's very existence. The weight of its importance settled on her shoulders, adding a new layer of responsibility to their already complicated situation.One afternoon, as Anita sat in her room, she pondered the best way to help protect Jace and his fox bead. Her mind wandered to her friends and the trust they had built over the years. She knew they would do anything to help, but the knowledge of the fox bead was too dangerous to share openly.Jace, who had been spending more time at the house, noticed her pensive mood. "You seem troubled, Anita," he said gently, leaning against the doorframe. "Is something on your mind?"Anita looked up from her thoughts, meeting his gaze. "I've been thinking about what you said—about keeping the fox bead hidden and safe. I want to help, but I'm not sure how. I keep worrying that something might happen, and I won't be able to protect you."Jace walked over and sat beside her, his presence calming and reassuring. "I appreciate your concern, Anita, but you don't need to carry this burden alone. The bead is secure for now, and I'm doing everything I can to ensure it stays that way. What's most important is that we stay vigilant and prepared for anything that might come our way."Anita nodded, but the worry in her heart didn't fully dissipate. "I just don't want to let you down, Jace. You've been through so much already, and I can't stand the thought of anything happening to you because of the bead."Jace placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light but reassuring. "You won't let me down, Anita. You've already done so much for me—for all of us. You've shown me kindness, trust, and friendship. Those are the things that truly matter. The fox bead may be powerful, but it's the connections we share that give it meaning and purpose."Anita smiled, feeling some of the weight lift from her shoulders. "Thanks, Jace. I guess I just needed to hear that.""Anytime," Jace replied, his golden eyes warm with understanding. "And remember, the strength of a kitsune doesn't just come from the fox bead. It comes from the bonds we form, the people we trust, and the courage we find in ourselves. You've already proven that you have all of those things in abundance."Anita's smile widened as she realized the truth in his words. She wasn't alone in this—she had her friends, and she had Jace. Together, they could face whatever challenges came their way, no matter how daunting.As they sat together in the quiet of the afternoon, the bond between them grew stronger, rooted in trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to protecting what mattered most. And though the future was uncertain, Anita knew one thing for sure: they would face it together, and they would face it with the strength of their convictions and the power of their unity.And as long as they stood together, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.