Beauty, in the Beast World

Serpent's Aid, Tiger's Trust

Lila sat by the riverbank, the sound of laughter echoing through the crisp air as she and a few of the village females enjoyed the afternoon. The group had been entertained for quite some time by Zache's misadventures in the water—thanks to Lyris, who had cheekily pushed him in while they were fishing. Zache had crawled back onto the bank soaked and disheveled, looking very much like a drowned pup, his vibrant purple eyes wide in mock indignation.

"Your snake mates are pretty funny when they want to be, Lila," Nyra said, her green hazel eyes sparkling with amusement as she cast a glance toward the two males.

Lila chuckled, adjusting her seating on the soft grass. "They certainly have their moments," she agreed with a smile, watching as Lyris teased Zache again, only to receive a playful growl in return.

"And they're both so strong," Elara chimed in, admiration clear in her voice. "It's rare to see males with such raw power and grace."

"Well, of course," Rosa interjected, her periwinkle hair catching the sunlight as she turned to the group. "We females should only choose the best males to court us. It's our right, after all." She had grown more comfortable in the wolf village over the past few days, and her confidence in her new home was beginning to show.

Lila smiled at Rosa's newfound ease, her heart warmed by how well she was settling in. After everything Rosa and her family had gone through, it was important that they felt safe and welcomed here. Lila had made sure of that, ensuring they had a cave of their own, food in abundance, and the friendship of the village to support them.

"Girls, girls, settle down," Lila said, raising her hands playfully to quiet them, though her tone remained light. "Once everything with the Beast City is settled, my mates and I will finally be able to recall the lost Ocean Snakes. Who knows—maybe every eligible female in the tribe will have a snake male in the next few years." Her eyes twinkled with humor as she spoke, trying to soothe their excitement.

Nyra raised an eyebrow in curiosity, her interest piqued. "The lost Ocean Snakes? You really think they're still out there?"

Lila's smile turned more wistful. "I do," she said softly. "My tribe was scattered, but many may still live. It's a long journey, and only when we deal with the tensions from the Beast City will it be safe for us to bring them back."

"Do you really have to leave the village, though?" Rosa asked, a slight pout forming on her lips. "Can't your mates handle this issue without you? It seems like such a big risk for you to go."

Lila shook her head, her magenta eyes soft but resolute. "No, Rosa. Unfortunately, I must go. My presence is necessary, especially given the significance of my tribe and our history. Now that you and your family are settling in, and you have your own cave, Atlas says it's best for us to leave by tomorrow." She glanced up at the sky, already thinking ahead. "We need to make the journey before the rainy season begins if we're to return in time."

The females grew quiet for a moment, the weight of Lila's words settling over them. Rosa sighed, her expression thoughtful. "You've done so much for us already. I suppose I can't argue," she admitted softly. "But we'll miss you while you're away."

Lila smiled, her heart full as she looked at the group of females, her friends. "I'll miss all of you too. But don't worry, we'll return soon enough. And when we do, things will be even better—for all of us."

The sound of Zache splashing in the river once again brought their laughter back, lightening the mood. Lila glanced over at her mates, knowing that no matter where their journey led, they would face it together, just as they always had.

Early the next morning, before the village had even begun to stir, the world was still cloaked in the soft twilight of dawn. The sun hadn't fully risen, and a crisp chill hung in the air. Lila was gently shaken awake by Zache, his vibrant purple eyes full of warmth despite the early hour. "Come, Lila, you need to eat before the journey," he whispered, handing her a bowl of red fruit juice and a plate of grilled meat and eggs cooked on the flat stone near the fire.