Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Six: The Weight of Knowledge

Parker's POV

The rain came down unforgiving, soaking through my fur and clothes, but I barely felt it. My feet moved on their own, step after step, carrying me with no destination in mind. I didn't care where I was going. I just needed to move.

Bai's voice echoed in my head.

"Because I'm asking you to! If you keep pushing, it's going to be over."

The finality of it still made my chest feel hollow. Even now, hours later, I couldn't shake the shock of those words—of how they landed like a blow I never saw coming.

I wandered aimlessly, the cold rain dripping from my hair, down my back, seeping into my skin. It should've made me shiver, but I felt nothing. The world blurred around me, but somehow, I ended up where I always did.

Home.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the familiar walls, the doorway I had crossed with Bai so many times. And despite the ache in my chest, a bitter chuckle escaped me.

At least it still has a piece of her.

Everything inside carried traces of Bai—her scent, her presence, the little things she left behind. Her favorite bowls, the blanket she curled up in, the way she rearranged things absentmindedly when she was thinking too hard. Even if she wasn't here, the ghost of her lingered. And I needed to hold on to that.

I stepped inside, letting the rainwater drip off me as I slumped against the wall. My stomach growled, but I ignored it. Eating didn't matter. Sleeping didn't matter.

All that mattered was the weight of Bai's words sitting heavy in my chest.

I ran a hand down my face, groaning softly. I should've stopped pushing. I should've given her more time. But how could I when I felt her slipping further and further away?

As the night stretched into morning, I remained still, trapped in the loop of my thoughts. I barely noticed when the rain began to slow. The steady downpour turned into a soft drizzle, then a light mist. Finally, streaks of sunlight began filtering through the cracks in the window.

For the first time in hours, I exhaled deeply.

Bai would be happy.

She had been waiting for the rain to stop so she could go out. She wanted to pick mushrooms—of all things—and the thought made me laugh, shaking my head. She always found something interesting, something new to introduce.

Even if she didn't want to see me, I could still do something for her, right?

I would pick some for her. Leave them outside of Imara's house. That way, Bai would still have them, even if she... even if she never wanted to see me again.

My stomach twisted at the thought.

No. She wouldn't ignore me forever.

Right?

I swallowed hard, stepping outside. The fresh scent of damp earth filled the air, the sky breaking into a soft, cloudy glow. Maybe Bai would come outside today. Maybe I would get to see her—just for a moment.

She wouldn't miss coming out, right?...Or maybe she would. That thought was enough to steal my breath.

Would she not come at all? Would she avoid me forever? My hands clenched at my sides, tail curling slightly in frustration and pain.

Then—I heard it. A wagon approaching. My heart pounded.

Was it her? Was she coming to see me? Was this as unbearable for her as it was for me?