The early chapters of Sarah's life were marked by profound hardship.

Born of a human parent and another of fox lineage, she entered the world in human guise but bore fox-like ears. Abandoned in the rural hinterlands, she suffered maltreatment and ostracization at the hands of villagers who branded her a monstrous aberration. For years, she roamed aimlessly, only finding solace when she was taken under the wing of an elderly man.

The elderly gentleman hailed from meager means and Sarah, frail and emaciated, bore the brunt of bullying and mockery from her peers, who shunned her company.

On one occasion, following a particularly cruel episode of bullying, she sought refuge at a secluded watering hole, her heart heavy with sorrow.

A kind spirit, a girl of her own age, approached her.