This volume broke my heart. And it has one of the most shocking endings I’ve read in a shojo manga in a while. I won’t spoil you, but prepare yourselves!!!

Aoi is trapped as the nue because he can’t remember his past—he doesn’t know to become “human” again. Himari uses the lantern she got as a gift from Nekobaba that “lights the way to the path of truth” to go deep into Momochi House and retrieve Aoi’s memories. Meanwhile Aoi (as the nue) involves himself with Kasha, almost as if he’s lost hope of ever becoming human again.

Himari also meets the Guardian of the Gate for the first time, who we will get to know more in later volumes.

There is tragedy in this series, but I have ultimate faith that Himari will find a way to save Aoi!

Start down this dark path here!

-Editor Nancy