Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five: When It Rains It Pours

I woke up the next day with a heavy heart but kept my thoughts to myself, letting things unfold as they would. Bai and I moved quietly through the morning, preparing for breakfast in near silence. Neither of us had the energy for much conversation, but before we left her room, I pulled her into a hug. She felt so small in my arms, and when she finally pulled back, I caught the exhaustion in her expression. She gave me a small, appreciative smile, but I could see the weight of everything still clinging to her.

As we stepped into the main living space, the first thing I noticed was the soft drizzle outside the kitchen window. The storm had calmed, leaving behind a misty, peaceful morning. A slow smile crept onto my lips at the sight.

Finally a day free of rain,

That meant Harvey and Horace would be home sooner.

"Looks like the rain will clear up today," I said, hoping to lift Bai's spirits. "Maybe we can get outside once it stops."

Bai gave me a small nod, her expression unreadable, but I could tell she was looking forward to it even if she wasn't ready to say it out loud.

As we entered the kitchen, the usual morning energy buzzed in the air. The banter, the laughter, the warmth of breakfast—it was all there, but a lingering tension still hovered over Bai. I wasn't the only one who noticed. Though no one said anything, I could feel them sensing the change but unsure how to approach it.

And then, of course, Parker's absence.

I saw Bai glance at his usual seat before quickly looking away, focusing on her food. She felt it. The empty space. The missing presence.

I wanted to say something, to acknowledge the ache in the room, but I chose to leave it alone. There would be time for that later. For now, the conversation had already shifted to preparing for departure once the rain fully stopped.

After breakfast, I quietly pulled Nicholas and Frank aside.

"Can you two check in on Shugh and Muir for me? I haven't seen them in days, and I need to make sure they're okay. Even if they don't want to talk, at least convince them to come inside and eat something."

Nicholas and Frank exchanged a glance before nodding. Without another word, they headed off, their footsteps fading into the background. I watched them go, my chest growing just a little heavier.

Just as I turned back to help with packing, Bailey suddenly appeared out of nowhere, throwing her arms around me. Before I could react, she peppered kisses all over my face, making me giggle uncontrollably.

"I'm going to miss you so much!" she declared dramatically, clinging to me as if she were being torn away against her will.

I grinned, indulging in her affection and soaking in the warmth of our friendship. "I'll miss you too, Bailey," I said softly, giving her a firm squeeze in return.

The house bustled around us with the sounds of packing and cleaning, everyone keeping their hands busy as we prepared for the coming days. But my mind was elsewhere, drifting between Parker, Bai, and all the frayed connections that still needed mending.

That was when Nicholas and Frank returned—from the roof.

I blinked. "Why are you two coming from the roof?"

Nicholas hesitated, his ears twitching downward. His usually relaxed expression was hesitant.

"That's where Shugh and Muir have been," he finally admitted.

I stilled. The....roof?

Bai and I blurted out in perfect unison, "What?!" our voices filled with equal parts shock and concern.