Beauty, in the Beast World

Shared Fires, Shared Stories: part 1

{Time Skip: One Moon(Btw, One Moon is equal to a month)}

Atlas gently wiped away the sheen of sweat that formed on Lila's brow, his arms supporting her as she rested back against his broad chest. Her breathing was steady, yet exhaustion lined her features after the strain of labor. Zache, ever the dutiful mate, had just finished gathering the eggs into a woven basket. He placed them gently beside Lila, who turned her head, a soft smile curling her lips as she counted them.

"Twelve," she whispered, her voice filled with both pride and wonder. "Twelve good-sized eggs... They'll hatch when their father awakes." A soft chuckle escaped her, the thought of Lyris's reaction to their offspring warming her heart. The image of him slithering into the nursery, only to be greeted by a brood of lively hatchlings, made her laugh quietly.

Zache returned to her side, carrying a steaming bowl of stew. His curiosity piqued when Lila called out to him. "Yes, Lila?" he asked, watching as Atlas took the bowl from his hands to feed their mate.

Her gaze shifted from the eggs to Zache. "Take them to Lyris's hibernation hole," she instructed softly, her hand resting protectively atop the smooth, warm shells. "They won't survive if they hatch too soon." Her fingertips gently traced the surface of one of the eggs, her magenta eyes gleaming with affection. "I'll see you soon, little ones," she murmured.

Zache nodded, his expression softening as he lifted the basket with care. "I'll make sure they're safe," he promised, before disappearing toward the tunnel that led to Lyris's chamber. As he carried the eggs, his steps were light, conscious of the precious burden.

Meanwhile, Atlas sat beside Lila, his gaze tender as he spooned the stew to her lips. "You've done so well," he murmured, pride swelling in his chest. "You've brought more life into our family."

Lila leaned into him, accepting the spoonful. "It was worth every moment," she whispered, her eyes drifting closed in contentment as she savored the warmth of the stew and the comforting presence of Atlas at her side.

{Time skip: One and a half Moons}

Lila sat comfortably by the crackling fire, cradling Little Silver in one arm while her other hand gently held the solid black pup, whom she affectionately called Soot for the time being. The warmth of the flames flickered against their fur, casting playful shadows on the cave walls. The other five pups, nestled together in a cozy heap, provided a soft, rhythmic sound of contented breaths that filled the air. Lila nuzzled the two pups, feeling a swell of affection for each one as she marveled at their growth. Silver and Soot were the largest of the litter, their sturdy bodies already hinting at the strength they would grow into.

As the days passed, the weather began to warm slightly, promising that another quarter moon would melt the snow that had blanketed their home. Just then, Atlas returned, his cheeks flushed with the rosy hue of exertion. He bore a large fish in his arms, its scales shimmering in the firelight.

"Lila, guess what?" he called out, his voice bubbling with excitement.

Lila looked up, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Atlas?"

With a grin that stretched from ear to ear, Atlas handed the fish to Zache, who had just finished cleaning the area for their next meal. "The Chief has announced there will be a feast when the snow melts!" His voice was filled with enthusiasm, and Lila could feel the energy radiating off him. "Females will be given a rare flower and allowed to choose any available male that attends. This includes males from the other tribes—Leopard, Hawk, Ape, or Jaguar!"

Lila's eyes widened in surprise. "A feast? And we can choose?" The thought danced in her mind like the flickering flames, excitement mingling with a hint of apprehension. It would be a celebration of life, but also a reminder of the choices that lay before her.