A Thousand Steps into Night

Content Warning: This section contains descriptions of physical assault and abuse.

As Miuko and Geiki disembark from the boat and make their way to the Ochiirokai, they are troubled by the few people they encounter on the road. Geiki reveals that he has stolen several items from the travelers, blaming his nature as a magpie, and Miuko is reminded of how much she is compromising her morals to reach the House of December. She insists he give back the items he stole. When they get to Vevaona, the elderly man who owns the guesthouse will only speak to Geiki, as girls are not allowed to rent rooms. The owner tells them the verge hour has seen more activity lately and points out one of his guests who is a kyakyozuya, or demon hunter, trained by the House of November. Miuko and Geiki learn that the House of November has been destroyed and has become an oyu, a blight or place of death. Miuko cannot shake the feeling that she is connected to this tragedy, though she doesn’t know why.