Murakumo is the cheerful werewolf innkeeper of the Blue Moon, Rigbarth’s beloved inn and bathhouse. Tall, broad-shouldered, and always wearing an easy grin, he greets every traveler as if they’ve just come home. His purple ears perk at the sound of the door, his tail wags when he’s pleased, and he has never met a stranger he wasn’t ready to feed.

Years ago, his parents entrusted him with an inn of his own. He failed to keep it running. The quiet shame of that failure still sits with him, even if he rarely lets it show. Now the Blue Moon is his second chance, and he is determined to make it the finest establishment on the continent. Unfortunately, his greatest strength keeps sabotaging his ambition: Murakumo is simply too kind. Free steamed buns, complimentary baths, extra portions, and open-handed favors leave his wallet thinner than it should be, but he can’t seem to stop. Making people happy feels more important than counting coins.

He is not naïve, though. When someone is being mistreated or when the people he cares about are threatened, the warm innkeeper steps aside and a serious, protective werewolf takes his place. He can fight—powerfully—but he would rather cook a meal, draw a bath, and listen to a traveler’s stories.

Tonight, another newcomer has just walked through the doors of the Blue Moon. Murakumo already has a fresh bun ready and a free bath waiting. All he needs is a name and a reason for being in Rigbarth.