In the capital, an unexpected and chilling visitor arrived—an untimely cold wave. It swept across the city, enveloping everything in a thick blanket of snow, like layers of pristine white silk. Geumgi, renowned for its brilliant shine, now stood dimmed by the snow, its usual radiance fading away. It had turned into a realm cloaked in a perfect snowfall.

 

Overhead, gray clouds lazily moved with the wind. Meanwhile, word spread about a young prince gone missing while playing in a vast garden of flowers. Yet, this didn’t capture much attention. The young prince was the son of an insignificant woman, not favored by the Emperor. Officials didn’t concern themselves with her. Eunuchs assigned to the concubines were occupied with their duties for the Prince and Princess. And even if they could, they didn’t intend to help her. Destiny had called her to be the Emperor's concubine, yet she was a woman embraced only by selection.

 

Finally, Yeo So-ui dressed in Saga’s marten fur clothes and went to the flower garden to find her young lost son.

 

“Son!” Her plea echoed in the freezing air but never reached him. Her faint voice was buried by the strong wind, fading away. Standing in the flower garden, she looked around with trembling eyes, her face red, and murmured, “Where on earth have you gone, Kang...?”

 

Unbeknownst to Yeo So-ui’s frantic search, young Kang played in the snow-covered fields, an off-limits area. It was a play spot designated for royal family members who could transform into wolves. Transformations took place, and they joyfully ran around the hill, playfully nipping at each other. It was an exclusive ritual—a mix of playful behavior and scent confirmation, reserved only for those of royal lineage. This space was strictly regulated, a privilege reserved solely for distinguished royal members. And on days when the Emperor returned, transformed into a wolf, security increased.

 

Yet, young Kang, being small and agile, could navigate the palace unnoticed. Even if caught, he was just a child, smiling cheerfully without realizing the gravity of the situation. Kang was only four years old.

 

“Brrr, it's really cold.”

 

Kang, after rolling down the hill, lay in the snow, whispering as it looked up at the sky. Yeo So-ui's carefully hand-tied hair masterpiece was now tangled and wet from the snow, creating quite a mess. Despite the child's smooth, pale cheeks being reddened by the strong wind, it looked as though they were marked with several long, thin scratches.

 

The winter coat, made of animal fur, had gotten wet. The leather shoes were no better. Even though they were lined with animal skins, they didn't keep out the intense cold. The child shivered and stood up, his cute little body trembling. The wet fur clung to him, much like a child's hair sticking to them.

 

"Huu…."

 

The child gazed towards the hill from where he had tumbled down and let out a whimper. Rolling down felt carefree, but climbing back seemed like an arduous maze. The child's eyes wandered across the never-ending ridge.

 

The mother, the eunuch, and the nanny who usually looked after him were nowhere to be seen. The vast snowy landscape felt strangely unfamiliar. After searching north, south, east, and west, the child finally began to cry, not seeing anyone familiar. Growing up in the cold imperial palace, the child had a simple and delicate personality, which made this lack of familiarity quite scary.

 

"Huu… mother… where are you…."

 

The child whimpered like a lost puppy calling for its mother. But the cries were swallowed by the wind and lost in the snow. With a nose now red from the cold, the child tried to climb the hill while sobbing.

 

"Ahhh!"

 

However, as soon as the child took a step, he slipped on the snow and tumbled down. He instinctively shut his eyes and curled up. He’s going to get hurt! Kang panicked and muttered to himself.

 

But surprisingly, he didn't get hurt. Instead, something held the child from behind, almost like a sturdy support. Slowly, the child opened his eyes to feel a gentle touch on his cold, frozen cheek. Eyes, filled with clear tears, widened even more. He glanced at the hill where the wind was blowing and the snow was swirling before turning his head towards whatever was holding him.

 

"…!"

 

An immense creature peered at Kang with curious eyes. It observed the small figure, more beautiful than the melted tiles of the imperial palace. Its golden eyes narrowed like threads and it tilted its head, almost like a human, as if in deep thought. The creature sniffed, its wet snout touching the boy's neck. With each whimper, the child curled up like a little bird, enduring the creature's breath. It was both terrifying and astonishing. Kang couldn't take his eyes off the beast. When their eyes met, he pretended nothing was wrong and quietly lowered his head. The wolf then nuzzled toward the boy's chubby cheeks beneath the black hair.

 

Meanwhile, Kang seemed lost in his own thoughts.

 

His mother used to take him to the park where the emperor raised animals, but this was his first encounter with such a colossal creature. Kang was so scared that he lowered its head and peeked at the beast's feet, then turned his head thoughtfully. What in the world is this creature? Innocent curiosity replaced fear, and the child lifted its gaze, examining the majestic form of the creature.

 

The lush fur, resembling silver needles embedded within, was more translucent and stunning than snow. Its limbs were much thicker than Yeon Kang’s, seemingly impervious to damage even if struck by a tree. Big black eyes were fixated on the creature's thick legs, then slowly rose and halted at the wolf’s eyes.

 

Golden eyes, the size of a child's fist, gazed intently at Kang. Those golden eyes, with long, slender pupils, seemed to absorb all the light, capturing the child's entire attention.

 

The animal lowered its head, as if trying to communicate and seek help. Its elongated snout touched the child's cheek. Kang, who had been crying moments before, was taken aback by the warmth and dampness, his eyes widening.

 

The beast opened its mouth, extended its tongue, and licked Yeon Kang's shiny, tear-streaked cheek. Astonished, the child couldn't even blink, simply staring at the beast's enormous face. It seemed like the creature was chuckling, its golden eyes curved in a smile.

 

Rubbing its face against the child's, who had dropped his guard, the creature gently pushed the boy down with its tongue, thoroughly licking every inch. Cheeks and neck, reddened by the cold, melted at the warmth of the beast.

 

"Oh, it tickles!"

 

Kang laughed as the animal's tongue touched his throat. The beast paused upon hearing the laughter, glancing at the child buried in its eyes. Its golden eyes scrutinized the child once more, then tilted its head.

 

‘What in the world is this?’ That seemed to be what the creature was saying. Kang, unaware of anything, innocently blinked his eyes. Despite its terrifying size, the child's good behavior and kind eyes lowered the beast's guard, and it nuzzled the creature's face with its tiny hands.

 

"So soft..."

 

The child's hand touched the animal's snout. The creature growled as he touched its black nose. It seemed irritated. It was the first time the beast had shown emotion, but the child blinked curiously and murmured.

 

"It's like a puppy. Feels the same as touching a dog's nose."

 

The child suddenly averted his eyes from the animal, looked at his wet palms, and alternated between the beast and his own hand. The beast observed the child closely. It sniffed and caught a sweet, fresh scent emanating from the nape and head. The creature narrowed its eyes, catching onto something. The beast extended its long tongue and slowly swept the child's cheek from bottom to top. Kang let out a laugh and grabbed the wolf's snout with both hands.

 

"Now I get it. It's a big puppy, isn't it?"

 

The child seemed to mistake the beast for a dog raised in the park of the imperial palace. Upon hearing those words, the beast moved its tightly shut mouth as if in disbelief. Amused, Kang lay on the still-cold snow, running his small hands through the animal's fur. The beast's eyes seemed irritated, yet it appeared unwilling to mess with something so young.

 

"Puppy, will you get scolded if you come here? This is Abamama’s palace. Abamama will scold you if he finds out you are here."

The creature, intrigued by the sound of "Abamama" from the child’s mouth, which resembled a chick's chirp, opened its jaws. Panting, its breath fell gently upon the child's face. The child stayed still, blinking as if the warm breath wasn't bothersome.

 

With its pillar-like paws, the beast enveloped the child's delicate body entirely, hiding him beneath its own frame. Despite being hidden, the child gleefully smiled at the shadow cast over him. The wolf grumbled innocently, its embarrassment evident.

 

"You're better than other puppies..."

 

The mention of a puppy seemed to offend the creature, prompting it to growl and playfully lick the child's lips with its tongue. The child turned his head, laughing at the ticklish sensation.

 

"It tickles. Stop licking."

 

Gently, the child wiped his lips, moistened by the animal's saliva, with his sleeve. The beast glanced at the child briefly before grabbing him by the shoulder with its front paws and causing him to spin. The child's body immediately rolled to one side, bumping his right leg. Although he hadn't been hit, a sharp pain shot through his left shoulder, where his foot had touched.

 

"Ouch...Oh!"

 

The child’s exclamation of pain quickly shifted from cries. The wolf grasped the child's clothing in its mouth and lifted him up. The child's short limbs flapped in the air.

 

"I-I'm scared! Put me down! Puppy, let go!"

 

The child pleaded, tears streaming down his face. However, the wolf seemed to pretend not to hear, walking lightly on the snow while the child hung from its mouth. The child's body swayed like a leaf in the wind. Initially sobbing, Kang gradually stopped, his body now swaying with excitement rather than fear, looking ahead.

 

Despite the animal gripping his back and his limbs and head hanging like leaves along a riverbank, there was no discomfort. Instead, there was a sense of freedom. The child smiled, appreciating the newfound liberty after secretly escaping the confines of the palace.

 

"Puppy. You're very kind."

 

The child clung on, looking at the creature's face serenely. As they slid down the hill toward the tree-lined entrance, the creature blinked its golden eyes, seeming a bit puzzled. The child reached out, running their hand over the wolf's soft fur, speaking kindly.

 

"Okay, okay. When I get back to the palace, I'll share some sweets with you. They say good kids get to have sweets. But Eunuch An warned me not to eat too many…"

 

Even though Kang usually plays deaf in one ear, the memory of that time made him shiver.

 

"Not allowed. Just two candies a day."

 

Remembering Eunuch An firmly lecturing and hiding the treats in a jar, Yeon Kang spoke gently to the animal, keeping a calm tone.

 

"He gives me two a day, so I'll share one with you. Because I can't give you too much…"

 

The child murmured, sounding a little regretful.

 

"I need to have some too…"

 

The creature's snarl filled the air, yet its golden eyes seemed content. Its pace hastened as it descended the hill, charging resolutely toward the imperial palace. Yeon Kang stretched out his arms, letting out an astonished cry at a speed he had never felt before.

 

As the beast exited the hill and strode onto the path leading to the inner courtyard, the soldiers guarding the area prostrate and salute the creature. Each step it took, gripping the smooth steel rod, seemed to quiet the atmosphere. Both the inner and outer officers were left utterly distressed by the creature's appearance, bowing in deep reverence.

 

When the familiar face of the eunuch mirrored the act, Kang lifted his head in bewilderment. Such an act should have been reserved for only one person in the world: the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, the supreme ruler of the Yeon dynasty, and the sole father of Yeon Kang.

 

But Abamama wasn't a mere dog. Abamama, glimpsed by Kang from a distance, carried a striking presence of his own. Amid the bowing and greetings, the child couldn't get a clear view of the Emperor's face. What he did perceive were the Emperor's shoes moving across the ground and the trailing hem of the elaborate dragon robe. Its dark blue fabric, embroidered with sacred motifs in silver and gold threads, lingered in Kang’s sight for a fleeting moment before vanishing.

 

The image of the Emperor's eyes, caught by chance, sprang to Yeon Kang's mind. They were like gleaming jewels, more captivating than his curly silver hair. His eyes, a dusky shade of gold, lingered in Yeon Kang's memory.

 

"Oh…?"

 

It struck Kang that the puppy, too, had those same golden eyes. The child swallowed hard, meeting the creature's gaze. The beast blinked, almost as if amused or wondering about something.

 

"The snow... it reminds me of Abamama."

 

The beast let out a deep breath and crouched down. Kang tilted his head in confusion.

 

"Why are they the same? A puppy is a puppy, and Abamama is Abamama."

 

As curiosity clouded Kang’s mind, a familiar voice echoed from afar. It was a soft, trembling voice.

 

"Mom! It's Mom! Puppy, my mom's here!"

 

Kang’s eyes widened, a bright smile appearing on his face as he struggled to get free. The beast lowered its head reassuringly and gently let the child down. As Kang stumbled, having arrived at the Naejeong flower garden with the animal, he seemed a bit disoriented

 

Yeo So-ui, initially relieved to see Kang, suddenly turned pale upon noticing the creature behind her child. It was a reaction she had developed. The beast observed this calmly, then glanced at Kang, nudging the child forward with its nose.

 

"Go on, then." It was as if the creature was urging him to leave. Understanding this, the child looked back at the creature affectionately, arms outstretched, and hugged the beast's neck tightly. The touch of the animal's soft fur against the child's neck and arms felt comforting.

 

"Thank you, puppy. Make sure to come to Cheonggeum Palace later."

 

"I'll give you the sweets I promised," the child whispered in the creature's ear. The animal seemed to bow its head in acknowledgment. The child, still clinging to the animal, turned around and ran toward his mother, who was lying face down on the cold ground.

 

"Mom!"

 

The creature, closely watching the child, suddenly perked up, as if listening for something urgent. "Your Majesty, where are you? Your Majesty..." It was a frantic plea, audible only because it had taken the form of an animal. Pausing briefly, the creature exhaled deeply upon hearing the cry, then swiftly turned its head, casting a glance back. The child was smiling happily in the arms of a slender woman, presumably his mother. When the woman met the beast's golden gaze, she quickly averted her eyes.

 

The creature let out a brief chuckle, almost human-like, before dashing off. A silvery streak cut through the air before vanishing.