Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Sixty Nine: Skinned Snake

Trigger Warning ⚠️ : Violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Parker, still staring wide-eyed at the chaotic battle, turned to me. "How did you plan all this so fast?"

I gave him a sly smile. "A lady never reveals her secrets."

Outside, the fight was a stunning display of raw strength and clever strategy. Leopard King Calum, towering over the average male and undefeated for over 20 years, was trading blows with Curtis.

Watching the two clash sent a thrill through me. For once, Curtis had met his match.

King Calum's every move was calculated, fighting not to kill but to drain Curtis's energy—a strategy I had counted on. Curtis wasn't just facing King Calum; he was up against three other kings and countless beastmen, all working together.

From a distance, the Ape King Wilbard stepped in. He wasn't charging into the fray like the others. Instead, he used long, thick vines to try and trap Curtis. His calm precision was as impressive as King Calum's brute strength.

Bai Qingqing's POV

I came rushing down the stairs, my heart pounding in panic. "Oh my God, what's happening? Why are they fighting Curtis? I thought all this noise was just a bad dream!" Without thinking, I made a move to dash outside.

Before I could get far, Imara caught me by the shoulder and pressed a finger to her lips, signaling me to stay quiet. Her calm demeanor did little to ease my growing fear.

Her words froze me in place, as my eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Really? Why would he do that?"

She met my shocked gaze with a steady one of her own. "Because I told him the truth—that I'm your headmate, responsible for your well-being," she said without hesitation.

"Headmate?" I repeated, confused. As in the head of my family, as a guide?

"Do you disagree?" she asked, her tone letting me think about it.

I blinked, letting her question sink in. Did I? After a moment of thinking it through, I shook my head. "No, I don't. But... did he really try to hurt you?"

Parker, standing nearby, cut in before Imara could answer. "Yes. He was about to strike her. I had to jump through the window to protect her."

The image of that—of Curtis attacking and Parker risking himself to stop it—sent chills through me. "Were you hurt? Either of you?" I asked softly, the worry evident in my voice.

Imara shook her head. "No," she said simply. Parker did the same, reassuring me.

I swallowed hard, the knot of anxiety in my chest tightening. "What are you planning to do?" I asked hesitantly, afraid of what the answer might be.

Imara's eyes gleamed with a quiet confidence as she replied, "Just wait and see."

I felt more and more overwhelmed. I didn't want her to hurt him, but he had tried to hurt her. And I wasn't ready to face him—not yet.

A pounding headache throbbed in my temples, the earlier stress weighing heavily on me. The adrenaline still surged through my veins, making my heart race, but at the same time, I felt an aching fatigue pulling me down.

End of Bai Qingqing's POV

Together, we turned our attention back to the intense battle raging outside. The outcome wasn't just about Curtis; it would shape the fragile web of relationships and power within our group.

With a perfectly timed strike, Harvey managed to throw red clips powder into Curtis's eyes and mouth. Curtis recoiled in visible discomfort. Despite his quick reflexes and remarkable endurance, this was clearly the turning point.