Beauty, in the Beast World

Arrival at the Beast City

{AN: I apologize that the image above doesn't accurately represent the Ape King. It was the closest result I could achieve using the Gencraft AI tool, but it falls short of capturing the true essence of the character. I appreciate your understanding and hope you can envision him better through the story's descriptions!}

Lila awoke to the soft morning light filtering through the simple den, the coolness of the air a reminder of the early hour. Curtis, ever attentive, handed her a bowl of cold rice and a dried piece of meat leftover from the night before. Lila thanked him with a gentle smile, though she longed for something warm to start the day.

As they prepared to leave, Lila insisted on helping tidy up Ramiel's den, despite the males' objections. She swept the small space, gathering their belongings and ensuring that nothing was left out of place. "Thank you for your hospitality, Ramiel," she said, her voice kind but firm as they made their way toward the door.

Ramiel, still a bit awestruck by their presence, nodded quickly. "It was an honor, Chieftainess Lilac. Please, come back anytime. And if you ever need more grains or seeds, you know where to find us."

With a final wave, Lila climbed onto Curtis's tail, Lyris helping her with care as always. She waved to Ramiel, her hand lingering in the air as they began to move. "Goodbye, Ramiel! Thank you again for everything!"

Ramiel, standing just outside his home, called back with a smile. "You're most welcome! Safe travels!"

As they left the village, Lila couldn't help but think of Atlas. He had left early that morning, carrying the sacks of seeds they had purchased the day before, destined for the Wolf Village. She had made sure he ate more than the others, knowing that Atlas, in his usual stoic manner, would push through without stopping for much more than water on his return journey.

It took only about an hour of travel before the grand gates of the City of Beasts came into view. The closer they drew, the more bustling the streets became, filled with males and females of all sorts, each escorted by their mates. The scent of the city—earth, fur, and spices—swirled around them as voices from every direction buzzed with excitement.

"Lyris, what's going on?" Lila asked, frowning as she peered through the throng of beastfolk.

Lyris, ever alert, raised himself on his long lavender tail, giving him a better view above the crowd. "It seems the trading party has just returned to the City," he observed, his voice calm but knowing.

Lila's eyes widened with realization. "Then that means the Beast Kings will likely be presenting the spoils to the populace!" She leaned closer, her pulse quickening. "Curtis, Lyris—can you get us closer to the crowd's center?"

Lyris gave a small nod of reassurance. "Of course, Lilac."

With Curtis's formidable frame and Lyris's serpentine grace, the two males maneuvered their way through the dense throng, careful to keep Lila secure between them. It took some time, but eventually, they reached a spot where they could clearly see the raised platform where the Beast Kings stood in all their glory.

At the front stood the Wolf King, a towering presence with piercing eyes and a thick mane of silver fur that glistened in the sunlight. Beside him, the Tiger King exuded raw power, his orange-striped fur sleek and polished. The Leopard King, more lithe but no less formidable, stood poised, his golden eyes surveying the crowd. But it was the figure in the center that caught Lila's attention.

The Ape King was smaller than the others, his long dark grey hair and wiry frame giving him a deceptively frail appearance compared to the powerful beasts beside him. His light grey eyes scanned the crowd, calculating and sharp. Despite his smaller stature, there was something about him that commanded the attention of every beast present. When he raised his hand, the crowd fell into an almost eerie silence, his influence undeniable.