Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Ten: The True Clarity of Reflections

Wilbard's POV

As I watched Imara depart with her mates, I completely collapsed. I sank to the ground, laying down right where I was sitting, my hand covering my forehead.

Demus turned and walked away, having fulfilled his role.

The wounds and pain coursing through me were overwhelming, as I coughed up more blood. "Hahh..." I could feel the extent of internal damage, knowing that recovery would require several days. They had shown no mercy in their treatment of me. At one point, I even entertained the thought that I was a dead man, set up by their schemes, and that this was their way of handling the situation without upsetting Imara.

It had been years since I had been in a physical altercation, but I didn't regret it. I reflected on the events leading up to this moment.

Bonfire Past Moments of Reflection

Leaving the Sanctuary after the communion with the Beast God, I laughed deeply, feeling liberated despite my physical pains.

It seemed as if everything was finally falling into place. I found myself able to trust Imara, to truly believe in her.

Reflecting on the past, I realized I had been in turmoil before, because I did, quite easily view her as a friend.

However, that trust was tinged with fear, rooted in past pain, as I considered the possibility of her having schemes against me, threatening my authority and my most cherished relationship with my mate.

Yet, despite this conflict, I couldn't deny the undeniable truth: Imara had managed to break through my defenses.

As a King, and before that, I had spent my entire life on guard, wary of trusting anyone. But now, in her presence, I felt a newfound sense of ease, a willingness to let go of that defensive stance.

I used to have lingering doubts that I held on to, gnawing at me. If it turned out she was truly dishonest, how would I cope? The thought was chilling, reminding me of the pain I had experienced in the past.

It felt oddly out of place, as I'm not a highly virtuous man, nor will I ever be one. I'll always have my flaws, some of which I rather enjoy.

And as self-centered as I've become, as we all are, I'm selfishly clinging to requiring Imara to maintain my trust, my faith in her. That's just the way it is.

I believe my next significant challenges lie in resolving or repairing the relationships with both Qean, my mate, and Imara, my friend.

Leaving the Sanctuary. I had the bonfire prepared in great detail. I cleaned, and dressed in pristine white. Adjusted my pure crystal necklace. In great anticipation of the night.

And I went and checked in on my love, Queen. She was awake. I asked her if she wanted to come to the bonfire. She willingly told me she didn't want to be bothered. And to stay out of her space. However, this time, though it made me sad, it didn't fill me with desperation. It was something I will deal with, one step at a time.

And so, the bonfire is ready to began. When I came down to join Imara, she made it seem like the provision she may was under my guidance I wanted to correct that I was just the host however she ignored me and bowed calling me the Ape King. I was her friend Wilbard and that's what I wanted to hear not this title that so far removed us. But she walked off and Shugh reminded me of my obligations.

With my clan tasked with tending to food and preparing it according to Imara's teachings, the feast was underway.

To avoid disrupting her family and further irritating her, I kept myself occupied by tending to patrols, waste control, and ensuring Qean had everything she needed, including food, provisions, and gifts from the stalls. On my return, Gallant and Winfrey arrived with their mates.