Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Ninety Six: Consequences Unveiled

As I held Qean in my arms, her tears stirring a pang of sadness in my heart, I couldn't help but feel a little foolish for snapping at her like that.

Here she was, falling apart like a child who had never known life beyond the safe, sheltered waters of the sea.

Even though I knew she was in the wrong, I still felt sorry for her. It's one of my flaws—being too soft sometimes—but I couldn't just turn it off, not even now.

Wilbard's place was different from what I expected. It had the feel of an Ape's resting ground but with a special touch that made it clear it was meant just for him and Qean. The space was surprisingly beautiful and welcoming, showing off Wilbard's good taste.

As we walked through, I couldn't help but admire the little details—the lush plants, fresh bowls of fruit, soft furs, and carefully placed seashells. Everything was arranged so nicely, making the whole place feel calm and comfortable.

Wilbard didn't waste any time, signaling for someone to bring us tea and snacks. We settled onto the soft grass beds, and I let Qean cry it out, giving her the space she needed.

Harvey, always thoughtful, chose the perfect tea to help us relax. It was a small thing, but it made everything feel a little easier to handle.

I wiped Qean's tears with a soft fur cloth, watching her closely. In that moment, she looked so small and lost, like a blue-haired little girl out of her depth in a world she didn't fully understand. She had been protected by the males around her for so long that facing anything outside of that bubble felt impossible for her.

"Feeling a little better now?" I asked softly, hoping my words might help.

She let out a heavy sigh, her voice filled with frustration. "No, not really," she admitted. "I still don't understand why you did this to me. My head is pounding, and I feel like I've been crying forever. I haven't felt this overwhelmed since I was a little girl."

I stayed quiet, letting her words settle. There was still so much she didn't get, but for now, all I could do was be here for her and hope she'd come to understand in time.

As I spoke, she curled up against me like a little girl looking for comfort, and it made me realize just how sheltered she had been.

I had wanted to push her away, hoping she'd understand that she couldn't just cuddle in my lap with her moodiness. Wanting to assert some boundaries despite my empathetic nature.

But deep down, I couldn't bring myself to be too harsh with her feeling a twinge of softness toward her.

"Did you ever tell me how you felt about Winston?" I asked gently, hoping she'd be honest with me this time.

She hesitated, like she was trying to decide if she should admit the truth or defend herself.

She sighed. "No, but—"

"Ah, Aht Aht, hold on," I cut in, holding up a finger. "So how was I supposed to know you liked him?"

"You weren't, but—"

"But what?" I interrupted again. "I'm not a mind reader, Qean. I can't just guess how you feel."

I looked at her, waiting, but she stayed quiet. "You never told me, not once, all those times you were at my house or hanging out with me."

I felt Wilbard watching me, but I ignored him. He needed to understand that he played a part in this too. He was always so quick to offer females more mates for protection, but when it came to his own relationships, he was selfish.

Qean finally spoke up. "True, but you never asked me," she said, her tone defensive.

"Maybe not," I replied, keeping my voice calm but firm, "but I never made it hard for you to tell me either, did I?"