Beauty, in the Beast World

The Meeting of Kings

Lila sat atop Zephyr's broad, feathered back as he soared through the sky, his powerful wings cutting through the air with practiced ease. The wind tousled her hair, and she closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation. Zephyr, more seasoned than the younger Aves, moved with calculated grace, not rushing the short journey toward the Ape Castle. He seemed to sense her need for a brief moment of peace before the storm that was to come.

She had never felt anything quite like this before—gliding through the air with the cool breeze dancing across her skin. It was exhilarating in a way she hadn't anticipated, yet part of her longed for the familiar comfort of Curtis. The way he would slither effortlessly over the earth, his smooth scales undulating beneath her as he carried her with silent, steadfast patience. She missed him, Zache, Atlas, and her cubs terribly. Her heart ached for the warmth of their village by the sea, and the laughter of her children playing in the forest.

But Lila knew she had to be strong. If she remained diligent and focused, she would soon return to them. This mission was vital—everything they had prepared for would hinge on these next few hours. Her thoughts flickered back to the plan that had been meticulously crafted by her and her mates.

The den was ready to be packed away at a moment's notice, every supply and weapon poised for the final strike. The plan was deceptively simple, but carried great risk. Tonight, they would invite the Ape King, Isaac, and his mate Qin to their den for dinner under the guise of gratitude—for "caring" for her and the female cub she carried. Lila had woven the lie carefully, ensuring both Isaac and Qin felt secure and unsuspecting. They had to believe this was a peaceful gathering, that they were in control.

Once seated and enjoying the feast, the stew would be their undoing. Laced with Dream Flower, the potent mixture would subdue them quickly. Winston, ever watchful and cunning, would be ready with the others to neutralize any guards Isaac brought along. The moment the Ape King and Qin were rendered unconscious, Winston and Thomas would handle the burial of the bodies, disposing of them in the mass grave Curtis had dug far from prying eyes.

Lyris would head out first with the majority of their supplies, leading the charge toward the seaside cave they had prepared. Winston would carry the short birds, Thomas the heavier load, and they'd catch up with ease. Curtis, emerging from the shadows, would be tasked with carrying the unconscious Ape King, while Aves would take Qin in his talons. Zephyr's wings would bear Lila herself, she would rest comfortably in a carefully woven basket ensuring her safety on the journey. By the time anyone realized Isaac and Qin had disappeared, they would already be a full day's journey ahead, moving swiftly and with purpose.

They planned to travel in stealth, stopping only when absolutely necessary to provide water, cold rice, and dried meat to keep Qin and Lila sustained. If all went according to plan, they would reach the seaside cave in three to four days. Once there, the treacherous duo would be handed over to the Merfolk, who would see to it that they were taken across the sea, far from the lands they sought to dominate.

Lila let out a slow breath, her eyes drifting down to Zephyr's steady wings. The weight of the plan sat heavily on her, but she knew it was the only way to secure the future for herself, her mates, and her cubs. Soon, she would be back with them, safe and whole once more.

"Are you ready?" Zephyr's cry broke the silence, his green eyes flicking back at her as they neared the Ape Castle.

Lila gave him a small nod, her hand resting on his back her fingers gently tangled in his feathers. "Yes," she said loudly. "Let's finish this, for all of us."

Zephyr made a graceful descent, his powerful wings folding in as he touched down with a soft thud, his talons gripping the ground. Lila held on tightly for the final moments, her heart steadying as the familiar surroundings of the Ape Castle loomed before her. Moments later, Winston and Lyris appeared by her side, arriving with their usual swiftness. Winston, ever protective, reached up first, his pale blue-silver eyes scanning her carefully before helping her down from Zephyr's back.