After an accident, Imara, a 28-year-old plus-size black woman, ends up in a strange rainforest world from a bittersweet novel she read. This wild jungle is full of mysterious and dangerous beastmen, just like the stories she used to read.
To stay al...
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The moment my eyes landed on King Calum, I was stunned. The man was like something out of a myth—towering, regal, and impossibly striking. He looked exactly as Bai Qingqing had described: a handsome giant, youthful in the face with honey-blonde hair, green-gray eyes, and golden stripes running across his face like art.
Standing at nearly seven and a half feet tall, he loomed over the other beastmen like a living Hercules. There was something gentle about him, a quiet calm, but his presence left no doubt—this man was a king. He carried a silent power that radiated strength, authority, and intelligence, like a demigod brought to life.
It was clear in that unspoken way: cross him or his tribe, and you'd regret it.
Involuntarily, the words slipped from my mouth. "Sweet Baby Jesus," I breathed, the sheer sight of him taking my breath away.
When I say the man was a vision, I can't even begin to describe it properly. I'd never seen someone so impressive.
Before I knew it, Bai Qingqing's voice rang out, snapping me back to reality. "Wait, Imara almost fell! Turn around, Parker!" she exclaimed, patting his shoulder.
I felt Harvey and Gabriel catch me as I swayed, their arms holding me upright. Memi's concerned voice broke through next. "My goodness, Imara, be careful!"
"Are you okay, my love?" Harvey asked softly, his tone full of worry.
Gabriel added quickly, his voice closer to me, "Imara, are you alright?"
Bai Qingqing's worried face peeked over Parker's shoulder as she echoed, "Imara, are you okay?"
But I barely heard them. My gaze stayed locked on King Calum, his calm, piercing eyes meeting mine. The world seemed to tilt for a moment, leaving me lightheaded and speechless.
The unexpected encounter had stolen every word from my lips. I stood there, breathless, trying to wrap my mind around the sheer presence of this man—this king—before me.
Parker walked up, concern written all over his face. "Are you alright?"
I blinked, my gaze shifting between him and King Calum. I couldn't stop myself—I blurted out, "Parker, that's your Daddy?!"
Parker stared at me like I'd lost my mind, while Memi erupted into giggles.
"Yeah," Parker said casually, shrugging. "Don't we look alike?"
I looked back at him, then at King Calum, my disbelief growing. Boy cub, ain't no way, I thought, shaking my head inwardly.
Trying to explain, I added, "I mean, you're cute and all, but your daddy..." My voice trailed off as my brain tried to process what I was seeing.
I felt like I was in a daze, my thoughts spiraling. I've never seen a man this tall before. He was like something out of an ancient story—a living giant. A chill ran down my spine, my body instinctively jittery, like it was telling me, Danger. Dangerous power. Watch yourself.
