Beauty, in the Beast World

The Ambush Beckons

{AN: It has come to my attention that there is yet another character in the original Manhua that has two different names. The Chief of the Merfolk in the translation I read is know by the name Jin, but in other translations may be known as King. I will be using the name I am more familiar with, so respectively I will be calling him Jin. I would also like to clarify that in the original manhua, it seems that Ape females do eat meat. Considering that it does not clarify their specific species I am sticking with the idea that Apes do in fact consume small amounts of meat and fish, within the Beauty and the Beasts world.}

{Isaac's POV}

Isaac led the way, his steps confident as the dense forest path opened before him, bathed in the gentle glow of the twin moons. Their silver light filtered through the canopy, casting an otherworldly glow on the figures of his tiger guards who flanked him, their massive forms padding silently through the night. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and tall grass, a reminder of the grass lands that surrounded the city.

Qin, perched elegantly atop the back of a tiger male, was a vision of grace and beauty. Her long, silken hair rippled in the breeze like dark ocean waves, illuminated by the moonlight. The strands glimmered blue in the soft light, framing her flawless alabaster skin. Even approaching her forty-first year, age had yet to dull her vivid allure. Isaac had always admired her timeless beauty, unspoiled by the passing years. Her presence, serene and poised, brought a quiet dignity that complemented his own.

The small procession moved with purpose through the shadowed trees, bound for a meal with Princess Lilac and her mates. Isaac's mind was sharp, calculating, and he knew that this visit was more than just a social call. Lilac, after all, was no ordinary female. Her position as the mate of not one, but two males connected by blood to two separate Beast Kings—the Wolf King, and the Tiger King—made her a formidable player in the ever-shifting landscape of power. No Beast King, no matter how strong, would dare cross her lightly. Blood ties ran deep in the mainland, especially when they were ties to kings.

Even the Leopard King, cunning as he was, had made a gesture toward securing an alliance through marriage, offering Lilac the hand of one of his sons. Yet, true to her reputation, Lilac had declined with a calm dignity. "I have no desire to accept a Leopard male for a mate," she had said, her voice resolute and unwavering. Isaac respected her boldness, even admired it. She was a force, one that even he dared not underestimate.

Qin's voice, soft yet clear, broke the quiet of the forest. "Isaac, is it much further?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of weariness. It was a longer journey than usual as he wanted Qin to be comfortable, and though she bore it gracefully, Isaac could sense the subtle fatigue in her posture.

He turned his head slightly, offering her a reassuring smile. "Not much farther," he promised, his deep voice cutting through the night. "We'll be there soon."

Qin nodded, her blue eyes gleaming under the pale light of the twin moons. Isaac couldn't help the warmth that filled his heart as he gazed at her, so poised and graceful even after the long journey. As they approached Lilac's territory, the dense gathering of dens gave way to a more sparsely populated clearing where the den stood, partially concealed by thick vines and towering trees.

Before they could knock, the hide cover at the entrance swept aside, revealing Lyris, the lavender serpent. His eyes, the same shade as his hair, gleamed with a knowing calm as he dipped his head in greeting. "Ah, Ape King, Queen Qin. Lilac awaits you in the sitting room," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming.

Isaac moved to help Qin down from the tiger male, his hands gentle but firm as she slid gracefully to the ground. Together, they stepped toward the den, but as the three tiger guards attempted to follow, Lyris shifted, his tall frame blocking their path with an air of polite authority.