Healing The Beastworld

Ch 21: accusations and decisions

The morning sunlight, filtering through the woven reeds of their temporary shelter, was a pale imitation of the warmth Karee craved. Rontu's hand, rough but gentle, traced circles on her scalp, a silent comfort against the throbbing ache of yesterday's terror. The acrid smell of smoke clung to her clothes and hair, a constant reminder of the inferno that had consumed their home.
"You're safe now," Rontu murmured, his voice husky with emotion, "It's over."
"I'm here," he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that calmed her racing heart. "I'm here now, and I'll never leave you again."
Karee clung to him, the familiar scent of pine needles grounding her in the present. It felt strange, waking up without the familiar warmth of their shared hearth. Their home, a haven built with love and laughter, was a smoldering pile of ash.
"I should have been there,"Rontu whispered, guilt lacing his words. "I should have been there to protect you."
Karee squeezed his hand, her heart aching for him. He had been away, getting the salt provision the village needed, unaware of the tragedy that would unfold. The guilt gnawed at him, but he had nothing to be ashamed of. Kaden had been there, his quick thinking and bravery saving her life.
"None of this is your fault, Rontu," she said, her voice hoarse. "We're alive, that's all that matters."
The embers of the fire, extinguished the previous night, still cast a faint warmth on Karee's skin. Resting in Rontu's strong arms, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known since the fire. He had returned from a long trip to find her uninjured, but shaken, in Kaden's care. Rontu's deep rumble against her ear was a soothing balm, a promise of safety and love.
A sudden commotion outside startled her, sending a shiver down her spine. Kaden's voice, tense and angry, pierced the quiet. "You!" he roared, his words echoing through the village and nearby forest. "You set fire to our home!"
Karee sat up, alarmed. She looked at Rontu, his face etched with concern. He rose, his muscles taut with controlled anger. The two rushed out the hut to see Kaden glaring at Misty and her many mates around her. "Kaden, what's going on?" Rontu asked.
"Misty!" Kaden yelled, his voice thick with fury. "I found your scent amongst the ash and charred wood. You did this! You dared to touch what was ours!" Karee's heart sank. Misty, with her smoldering jealousy and envious gaze, had always been a thorn in their side. Now, the truth was out. Misty had always coveted Rontu, but he had chosen Karee, a choice that had festered in Misty's heart.
Rontu, his eyes blazing with anger, followed Kaden's gaze. Misty stood frozen, her face a mask of defiance, her eyes darting between the three of them. "You have no proof!" she spat, her voice full of false confidence.
"Proof? I smelled you there, Misty," Kaden said, his voice dripping with venom. "And your scent lingers even now. The fire, your scent, it is a clear as day."
Karee looked at Misty, anger and hurt etched apon her face. "Misty, why?" Karee whispered, her voice barely a breath.
Misty's façade crumbled. Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were not tears of remorse, but of spite. "He should have been mine!" she cried, pointing a trembling finger at Rontu. "You stole him from me!"
Rontu snorted, his voice low and dangerous. "You never had a chance, Misty. You never understood what true love meant." He turned to Karee, his eyes filled with love and tenderness. "The chief will want to speak with you, Misty," Rontu said, his voice a chilling growl. His gaze hardened as he looked back at the woman, his eyes a storm of unyielding fury.
Misty, her face pale with fear, took a step back, realizing the inevitable consequences of her actions. She quickly ran away with her confused mates fallowing close behind as she vanished into the shadows of the forest. "Lets go tell the chief what just happened." Karee said as she turned and marched towards the chiefs home. Once they arrived the chief sat in his hut, and listened to Karee's account. Rontu, his face tight with suppressed anger, stood beside her. Kaden, his features softened by concern, sat near the door, his eyes fixed on Karee.
"I have heard your story," the chief said, his voice calm and steady. "The evidence is clear. Misty will be found and punished for her crime. Your home will be rebuilt, and justice will be served."
Relief washed over Karee. It was a victory, but a hollow one. The fire had taken their home, their memories, but it had also revealed a truth they didn't want to believe. The fire had tested their bond, but it had also strengthened it.
"Chief, if I may I would like to request you don't have our home rebuilt." Rontu said causing all in the room to look at him. "With Misty and her mates now missing we have no idea if or when they may try attack again. I would like to ask for your permission for me and my family to make away from the village." The chief sat in silence processing his words, while he did this Kaden aproached Rontu. "Where do you plan on having us move to? It doesn't bother me as long as Karee is ok with your decision and is safe." He stated.
"I have thought about it and I think the city of Tails would be a good home, there is plentiful food and protection." The chief nodded his head in agreement, "I understand, and I will allow you to leave if that's what your family dreams as the best corce of action," he paused as he looked at Karee observing her face, "Karee, as the head of your family the decision is up to you, would you like to stay or take your mates advice and go to new location. Just know whatever you choose you will always be welcome here in Ninebark."
She looked between her two mates who awaited her decision, she knew no matter what she chose they would support her.
With one last look between her mates she turned back to face the chief, "We will go sir. Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me and my family."
"Very well then young one, the journey to the city of Tails is long so I suggest you 3 stay her for a few days to gather any materials you may need on your journey, and there is no need to thank me, your family has done much for our village," he said with a kind smile. "If that is all I think it is best for you all to go and get prepared for your journey." He said as he waved them towards the exit. "Goodbye sir." Karee said as she turned to leave her mates looked at the chief and gave his a nod of acknowledgement and gratitude before they fallowed their mate out the hut.
As they walked Kaden spoke, "Are you sure your ok with leaving your home behind Karee. If your not we are more than capable of staying here." She stoped and faced the two males whos eyes were focusedon her, "I am grateful for you both," Karee whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "You are my strength, my love, my home. No fire, no evil, can ever take that from me."