Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Six: The Work Done Before She Walks

Past Days with Winston

When I left that late evening, I knew she was safe with Gabriel. So I returned to my tribe — the same one my niece Rosa made sure I was no longer welcome in. Still, I wasn't worried about pushback. My tribesmen didn't give me any trouble. They let me pass without a word, knowing bigger things were in motion... and that Rosa wasn't calling the shots right now.

As I crossed through the gates, it hit me — I hadn't stepped foot here since I returned from my travels, the day of the night the bonfire was to begin. I hadn't even thought about it.

Since meeting my Queen, I've been by Imara's side.

Where I belong.

I'll admit, there was a sting when Rosa banished me. These are my people. But that ache didn't last long. Because, in the words of my love — she is my home. That is where I belong. And our tribe... our true tribe... is the family we've built together. A family she's crafted with me in mind.

That's why I will keep building the way ahead for her. For whatever she needs and whatever she'll face.

Inside the castle, I followed my brother Winfrey's scent. I knew exactly where he'd be, the grand room. That's where he always went when matters turned serious. A place to summon his most trusted men, or to let others know decisions were no longer just being considered. They were being made.

The thick fur hanging over the entrance rustled as I pushed through. The firepit in the center burned low, casting long flickers against the stone walls.

Winfrey stood with his back to me, arms loosely folded as he stared into the flames. When he finally spoke, he didn't turn.

"I knew you'd be coming soon, little brother."

His voice was steady, but the tension beneath it clung to the air like smoke. He turned slowly, the corners of his mouth pulling into something that wasn't quite a smile.

"How's Rosetta?" I asked.

He shifted his weight and dragged a short stool closer to the fire with the heel of his foot.

"She's doing better than I ever thought possible..."

But the ache in his voice slipped past the strength he tried to hold. He let out a dry chuckle. "I can only thank the Beast God for that... Seems I've got a lot to be grateful for..."

His gaze fell to the floor. "Even with my Rosa's fate still hanging in the balance." He dragged a hand down his face, pausing at his jaw as if it pained him to keep speaking.

He sank onto the stool, elbows on his knees, fingers tapping lightly against each other — like he couldn't still his thoughts.

I said nothing. Just stood near the opposite wall, arms folded, letting the silence stretch between us. No words of comfort would ease what he carried. His road ahead is a long one — juggling Rosa's recklessness and the fragility of his mate, Rosetta.

Finally, he leaned back and looked up at me, exhaustion clouding his face.

"So," he said, voice low and rough, "what is it you have to say... and what do you have planned, Winston — mate of Imara, who's under the divine attention of our Beast God?"

I stepped further into the room, firelight casting long shadows across the stone floor.

"There are several areas I can think of... where you could move the tribe without starting from low resources. All have water, and nearby small tribes — none strong enough to challenge you. We outnumber them in strength and in men."