Beauty, in the Beast World

Shared Fires, Shared Stories: part 2

Lila led Zache and Curtis back to their spot by the bonfire, the warmth of the flames casting a soft glow over the clearing. Atlas was already tending to a large fish, the delicious scent of it mixing with the earthy aroma of the burning wood. He had added the herbal medicine Lila favored, knowing it was something she craved ever since giving birth to the cubs. Within minutes, the fish was cooked to perfection, and Atlas carefully pulled it off the fire, placing it on a large leaf to cool.

"Don't forget to mash the fish up for the cubs," Lila teased gently, her eyes sparkling as she watched Atlas.

He flashed a knowing smile in return, grabbing a smooth stone to mash the fish meat for the wolf and snake cubs. It had become part of their routine, making sure all the young ones were well-fed. Once the stone bowls filled with the mashed fish were set on the ground, the cubs immediately tore into the meal with enthusiasm, their tiny bodies filled with energy as they enjoyed the feast.

Zache, always attentive, handed Lila a large portion of fish. But instead of eating, Lila turned to Lyris and Curtis, her expression softening as she looked at them. "Lyris, Curtis, you both must be famished after your long hibernation. Here," she said, extending the fish portion she had been given to Curtis.

Curtis looked at her, surprise flickering across his crimson eyes. It was a simple gesture, but one that held a deeper meaning—acceptance, trust. Hesitating for only a moment, he took the offering with a small nod, quietly acknowledging her kindness.

Zache handed Lila two more portions, one for herself and one for Lyris. She passed the second plate to her lavender-haired mate, who gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lilac," Lyris said softly, his voice carrying the quiet grace that always seemed to surround him.

With everyone settled, the soft crackle of the fire filled the air as they ate, the quiet intimacy of the moment shared between them. The once-feral Curtis seemed more at ease now, though he still glanced around with cautious eyes. The warmth of the fire and the laughter of the cubs seemed to slowly thaw the edges of his guarded heart.

{Curtis's POV}

When the peculiar purple-haired female approached him, Curtis had little to no interest in speaking to her. No female in her right mind would take a feral as a mate—especially not after seeing how he had failed before. The memory of Little Bai still gnawed at him, the way her frightened gaze had followed him, the way the hawk had taken her from him before he could even prove himself. "I'm better off alone," Curtis thought grimly, his mind circling the same dark conclusions it had for seasons. He tightened his grip on the ground beside him, feeling the cool earth beneath his fingers as if to ground himself. The bitter truth was his companion now.

His crimson gaze snapped up as the female and a towering wolf male approached, cutting through the darkening firelight. The female, with deep purple hair that framed a delicate face, stood boldly at the forefront. Curtis didn't expect much—perhaps a scolding for encroaching on their territory, or worse, another sneer of disdain. His ruby eyes narrowed as he took them in.

"What do you want, female?" he asked, his voice laced with the cold, familiar edge of detachment. The wolf male tensed slightly at his tone, yet the female didn't falter. Instead, she stepped forward, her strange magenta eyes meeting his directly, unafraid. To Curtis's surprise, she held out a blood flower toward him, the bright red petals striking against the twilight.

"Would you be my next mate?" she asked, voice steady, as if her request was nothing more than a simple exchange.

Curtis blinked, stunned for a heartbeat. His cold façade faltered, the skepticism on his face giving way to confusion. Was she serious? Was this little female, adorned in lavender snake skin, really unafraid of him? It didn't make sense—none of this did. No one wanted a feral as a mate, let alone a female with mates of her own already. His crimson eyes traveled over her form, landing on the markings etched into her skin. The lavender snake mark across her neck—another snake male, no doubt. There was a wolf's mark as well on her left shoulder, and a third mark—raven black, barely peeking over her dress.