Evilness, the all-consuming power that holds sway over life and death.

The cold night air settled like a thick shroud around the quiet outskirts of the northern fortress city, Jericho Star. Leonidas, towering and calm, his eyes sharp and calculating, stood in the shadow of a half-moon. His gaze flickered toward his companions, Ninaies and Rina, demi-human sister-hood and purpose. Both were ready, though Rina's constant yawning betrayed her fatigue. "Ready, my child?"

 

Ninaies, always the sharp one, responded swiftly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, my chief. Are we sure the information is right?"

Leonidas' eyes scanned the looming warehouses in the distance, dark and heavy with supplies. His jaw tightened as he confirmed their target.

Leonidas: "It seems so. I can see the storage houses—full, just like a Noble’s feast in the capital. Should be easy. It's a small town, only a dozen hunters ranked at C. Nothing we can’t handle."

Behind them, Rina stirred from her drowsiness."Zzz... I’m ready..."

Ninaies glared at her, exasperated. "Rina, wake up! You're too slow for this! You need to stay alert. Humans aren’t the only danger out here. The beasts roam these lands too."

Rina rubbed her eyes, her youthful innocence making her seem far too naive for the world they lived in. "Sorry..."

 

Leonidas, ever the protector and mentor, placed a firm but reassuring hand on Rina's shoulder. "You are not alone, Rina. Ninaies is always with you, and she will help you. She can protect you if needed."

Rina straightened, her pride burning through the fog of exhaustion."Yes, sir. But I can defend myself... I can kill. I won’t let the bad beasts hurt us. I’ll kill them before they even try."

Leonidas gave her a patient smile, though the darkness of the night made it appear more like a grimace. "We have a long night ahead of us. Let’s go. The target is just ahead."

The trio moved through the shadows with the stealth of predators. They reached the warehouse's perimeter, seeing two guards on the first floor and four on the ground. The silence of the night cloaked their movements, the darkness concealing their forms.

Leonidas gesture to stop, in a low voice, "Ninaies, Rina, stay here. I’ll take care of the guards. If anything happens, run."

Ninaies nodded, her eyes sharp with concern."Be careful."

Leonidas slipped into the darkness, his massive form melding with the shadows as though he were one of them. Silent as a whisper, he approached the first two guards with the precision of a seasoned predator. His movements were swift but controlled, ensuring no fatal blows were dealt. His hands closed around their necks, cutting off their air supply just long enough to render them unconscious. Before they could react or cry out, they slumped to the ground, their bodies going limp.

From their hidden vantage point, Ninaies and Rina watched in awe as Leonidas moved like a ghost—silent, quick, and precise. He incapacitated the guards with a terrifying efficiency, but the sisters knew that each man still breathed.

The remaining four guards barely had time to register their comrades falling when Leonidas was upon them. They scrambled, hands reaching for weapons, but the demi-human chief was faster. His claws flashed in the dim moonlight, not to kill, but to disarm and incapacitate. He struck at pressure points with precision, sending the guards collapsing to the ground, unconscious but alive.

Ninaies and Rina swiftly joined in, helping Leonidas with the last of them, ensuring that no one remained able to alert the town.

Ninaies: "Good job, chief."

Rina, grinning at the subdued guards, grabbed the rope from their bags."Let's tie these guys up real good."

"The rope and gags are in the bags.",Leonidas throw a bag to the girls.

Rina fumbled for a moment before handing some rope to Ninaies."Oh yeah, I forgot. Nina, could you give me a hand?"

"Sure."

They bound the guards tightly, gagging them to prevent any alarms. With the threat neutralized, they entered the warehouse, greeted by a sight that made even the cold-hearted Leonidas pause—a bounty of food. The shelves were stacked, enough provisions to last for years.

Rina’s eyes sparkled with childlike wonder."Wow! This could feed us for ages. Too bad we can’t carry it all."

Ninaies nodded, her practical mind already calculating their options. "Let’s signal the others to come. We’ll take what we can."

Leonidas, though pleased with the haul, remained pragmatic. "Take everything we can carry. If they have no more food, they’ll come hunting us harder. Winter is near. We can't afford to be careless."

Rina, hopeful despite the harsh reality they faced, still held on to dreams beyond survival. "We can plant seeds though. If we’re lucky, we could grow our own food next season."

Leonidas’ voice darkened, cutting through her optimism like a blade. "I told you before, child. Leave them. Nothing grows in the cursed land we’ve been forced to live on. It's barren. At least out here, we only suffer from hunger and beasts, not from human abuse."

Rina’s lips pressed into a thin line, defiant even in the face of truth. "But I won’t stop trying, sir. I can feel it. One day, there will be green. I’ll see it. We’ll see it."

Ninaies smiled softly, her affection for the younger girl evident. "You have a strong heart. I admire that."

Rina blushed, glancing down. "Thanks, Nina. And thank you for staying with me."

Ninaies chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You’re my favorite. You won’t get rid of me that easily."

But before they could continue, Ninaies’ expression shifted. Her body tensed, instincts flaring. "Wait."

"What’s wrong?" Leonidas Asked, even though he felt it too.

Ninaies scanned the air, her senses heightened. "The air feels heavier... Something is coming. I haven’t felt this in a long time."

Leonidas’ eyes narrowed. "I feel it too. We need to hurry. Rina, give the signal to the others. Now."

As Rina ran outside to signal the rest of their group, a chilling sound echoed through the night, the unmistakable noise of approaching hunters. Twelve men, their leader carrying a sword slung over his shoulder, strode into the clearing with dark intent.

Gustavo, the lead hunter, sneered. "Well, well, look at that. They’ve already taken out our friends. Guess we’ll have the honor of beating you down, you thieving scum."

Leonidas met his gaze, unflinching. "We haven’t eaten in days. You shouldn’t waste your energy."

Rina rejoined them, her hand gripping her weapon tightly. "Nina, chief—let’s take them down. This is our meal."

Ninaies nodded, her face cold and resolute. "Understood."

The battle erupted in a storm of steel and blood. Gustavo’s experience made him a formidable opponent, but the demi-humans fought with the desperation of the starving. Ninaies moved like a wraith, her daggers flashing in and out of the shadows, striking down the weak points of hunters incapacitating them, the wound light but enough to keep them from moving.

Gustavo cursed as she landed a swift blow on one of his men. "Bitch!"

Rina growled, her voice low and furious. "Don’t insult my sister!"

Gustavo sneered at her. "Shut up, ugly mutt."

He moved faster than expected, his sword slicing through the air and catching Rina off guard. She staggered, losing her balance, and Nina rushed to her side.

Gustavo laughed, his arrogance seeping through his words."Ha! You’re all worthless."

But Leonidas’ voice cut through his bravado."No. The only worthless one here is you."

The air was thick with tension, the forest around them eerily still, as if everything held its breath. Leonidas, towering and imposing, stood his ground, watching the human hunters who remained. The battle had already taken its toll; two hunters lay injured and out of the fight, while Gustavo and two others still stood, their bodies tense and breathing ragged.

Leonidas imposing his figure before Gustavo, "You're strong, but that's all."

The demi-human chief took a step forward, his sharp gaze unwavering, muscles coiled under his fur. The hunters couldn't deny the overwhelming strength he had displayed. Gustavo, despite his initial arrogance, felt a creeping doubt claw at his confidence.

"Damn it, but the ugly one is weak, right?" Gustavo replied.

Before he could blink, Rina, who had been holding back, struck with surprising speed. Gustavo barely managed to dodge, and in a reflexive counter, swung his sword at her. The blade connected with her stomach, but instead of cutting through, it simply bounced off her skin, leaving her unharmed.

Gustavo surprised by the result, and dumbfounded,"What? How? That blade should have cut you! Why… how do you have this resistance?"

Glaring coldly at him Rina, "We haven't eaten well, but my family needs this more than ever. We can’t lose, and we won’t."

Nodding, Leonidas voice is heard in the battlefield, "That's how it is."

With one swift motion, Leonidas delivered a powerful kick, sending Gustavo crashing into his men. The remaining hunters stood in disbelief. The demi-humans were strong, far stronger than any human could have predicted. Even though they had the advantage in numbers, they were being overwhelmed.

Gustavo panting as he stood up "We have to retreat."

Leonidas chuckle to him, "You won’t escape."

At that moment, Ninaies, who had been standing watch on the edges of the fight, frowned, her senses alert to something unsettling. "Chief, I get it, but... there’s something else."

Leonidas shifted his gaze toward her, alert to the unusual tension in her voice. "What is it, Ninaies?"

Ninaies hair from head to her skin feels the wind and the essence in it, "This feeling… something’s off."

Gustavo regaining his composure, "More reinforcements are coming soon, and it won’t be good for you if you’re still here."

Rina, her expression confused, also sniffed the air, her demi-human senses picking up something strange."They’re here."

Leonidas narrowed his eyes, his mind racing to understand what she meant. "It is what I think my children?"

Ninaies confident in her instincs replied, "No doubt about it, my Chief, the wind do not tell lies, they are very close to us, the sound of battle should bring them to us."

Silence fell over the group. Even Gustavo, still defiant, began to feel a growing unease.

Rina sense how the tremors in the ground tell her of the size of the oponent, "But there’s no beast that big…"

Leonidas felt it now too—a looming presence, something far more dangerous than the hunters before them. "It is coming!, fast bring the others and take what you can"

Gustavo with a mocking grin, "What’s wrong? Are you afraid of a monster? They’re coming, and when they arrive, you’ll lose everything."

Leonidas anger to his comment replied with a scold, “Fool, you people can not handle that monsters, you people is in danger, and you are here, trying to lick your wounded pride.”

As Gustavo rambled, more demi-humans arrived, their numbers swelling to twenty. Gustavo’s bravado wavered, nerves showing through his façade. Yet, Ninaies was even more worried. Her focus was entirely on the greater threat looming nearby, but the words of Leonidas resound in his mind, as others hunters beside him are very alive but out of combat for their wounds and knocked out.

Ninaies also share his father feeling, "Shut up, idiot. Get over there with the others. They’re hurt and out of action, but they’re alive. The real problem will be keeping you alive while we leave with what we came for."

Gustavo furious "Bitch! That’s the town’s food! You’re just making children starve!"

Ninaies laughing with disdain, "Boo hoo. They’ve never starved like we have. They’ve never woken up to the sound of their loved ones screaming as they’re torn apart by beasts."

Leonidas, always the pragmatic leader, interrupted before the situation escalated further. "Let’s take what we can and leave."

Ninaies glancing toward the darkening forest, "We can’t leave without a fight."

Leonidas stepping closer to the shadows coming from the forest, “It’s better to flee than die for nothing. We can come back later. We need to warn the village. The beasts are coming."

Gustavo gritting his teeth, "You’re just a bunch of cowards."

Rina stepped forward, her determination burning in her eyes."I’ll stay. The rest of you can go and report this."

Ninaies, surprised by her friend's boldness—or foolishness—shook her head. "No, you’re coming too."

Rina gesturing some boxing moves said, "They need you. If the beasts are coming, everyone’s going to need all the help they can get. If the chief and I stay behind, they’ll think twice before attacking."

Leonidas with a stern voice, "Don’t be stupid."

Rina grinning, "Don’t worry. This is a great chance to gain experience. Maybe, just maybe, if I become a heroine, people will see us differently."

Ninaies exasperated "Idiot."

Leonidas sighing,"Take her. I’ll buy you time."

Ninaies holding a bag of food in one shoulder and Rina in the other "Yes, Chief."

Rina, “oi, oi, oi”

With their spoils in hand, the remaining demi-humans began to retreat, leaving Leonidas behind to face whatever was coming. The hunters, still catching their breath, watched from a distance, realizing they would soon face the same threat.

Gustavo yelling one last insult, "Cowards!"

Leonidas without turning, "They’re smart. They know when to retreat. You can’t defeat a beast, and you’re going to have a hard time. I suggest you leave with them."

Gustavo thinking in the responsibilities he holds,"Never! They’re thieves, and they’ll pay for it!"

Leonidas no even hesitating in his decision, "Fine."

The chief readied himself for the next battle. And then, out of the shadows of the forest, the beasts appeared. At the front, a massive wolf, scarred from countless battles, its eyes glowing with a primal hunger. Behind it, a pack of wolves, each larger than even Leonidas. Two smaller beasts followed, strange, organic cannons protruding from their backs, humming ominously as they prepared for a fight.

Leonidas stood his ground, claws extended, ready to face the inevitable.

 

The air crackled with tension as Gustavo surveyed the scene before him. The mutant beasts stood menacingly in the distance, their numbers swelling far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. The forest seemed to tremble under their weight, and the mechanical screech of the beasts echoed ominously.  "What are those creatures? It seems... there are more of them."

Leonidas’ eyes gleamed with a dangerous excitement as he observed the mutant beasts. Some of them, with their strange mechanical features, bristled with dangerous energy. "Mechanical in nature, it appears."

As the mutant beasts drew nearer, their guttural growls rumbling through the forest like thunder, Gustavo and his men froze, terror creeping into their hearts. They stared wide-eyed at the horde of creatures approaching, their only line of defense now reduced to the towering figure of Leonidas. The demi-human chief stood alone against the flood of monsters, his fur bristling, claws extended, ready to face the onslaught.

Gustavo gasped in shock. These weren’t the typical threats that passed through the patrols of Star City. Usually, the attacks on the town were remnants that had managed to evade detection, but a Rank 2 beast of this magnitude shouldn’t have been able to slip through. Star City to the east, with its vigilant patrols, blocked most dangerous creatures. The southern wall provided further protection. If these creatures had come from the Arid Zones in the west, they should have headed towards the wall, not here. For a brief moment, Gustavo felt a tremor of doubt about his strength—could he truly defeat what was coming?

For a brief moment, the air was still, thick with the impending violence. But then, from the shadows, Ninaies’ voice sliced through the tension, sharp and commanding.

"Attack!"

Leonidas braced himself, his keen eyes scanning the battlefield. Just as he was about to lunge at the swarm of beasts, he caught sight of movement in the distance. Emerging from the treeline were Nina and Rina, leading the rest of the demi-humans who had initially fled with the stolen food. They hadn’t left him behind. They had come back—armed and ready to fight, their expressions determined.

Rina, her eyes blazing with resolve, had been unable to shake a single thought from her mind as they ran: the children. There were innocent lives at stake, and they couldn’t abandon them. She had turned back first, her heart screaming at her to protect those who couldn't defend themselves. Ninaies had quickly agreed, sharing Rina’s conviction. Together, they had rallied the others, explaining that they couldn’t leave Leonidas behind, nor could they leave the children of the town to be slaughtered by the beasts.

At first, only Nina and Rina planned to return. But one by one, the rest of the demi-humans followed. They respected Leonidas too much, their loyalty to him unshakable. He wasn’t just their leader; he was their protector, their guide through the harsh realities of their existence. Beyond that, they too felt a shared duty to protect the innocent. Even if they had stolen to survive, none of them wanted to see children suffer.

As they rejoined the battlefield, Leonidas felt a swell of pride in his chest. His people had returned—not out of obligation, but out of love, loyalty, and a shared sense of justice.

With a surge of energy, Leonidas charged forward into the horde of mutant beasts, his claws slicing through the air. But this time, he wasn’t alone.

Rina grinning as she reached Leonidas "Thought we’d let you have all the fun? Not a chance."

Leonidas gave her a quick nod, his voice steady despite the danger. "I expected nothing less."

Ninaies was at his side in an instant, her sharp eyes locked on the larger mechanical beast. "We’re with you, Chief. Let’s take them down."

Gustavo, watching this display of loyalty, felt his initial contempt for the demi-humans begin to waver. He had always viewed them as thieves and pests, creatures to be feared and despised. But now, seeing them fight not only for their leader but for the children they had once been accused of abandoning, his perspective began to shift. He saw in them the same desperation and determination that drove him to protect his own people.

Gustavo muttering to himself, "They're… not so different after all."

With a burst of energy, Leonidas charged forward, fully aware of the danger but resolute in his mission. "I will handle the leader. Eliminate the others!"

Ninaies quickly responded, her tone fierce and unwavering. "Roger, Chief."

Rina stood beside Leonidas, her confidence evident in her stance. "I’ll assist you. The rest are mine."

Leonidas glanced at her, slightly surprised but impressed by her resolve. "You’re capable, but leave the humans to their fate. Focus on the battle."

Ninaies added, surveying the battlefield. "There are a few larger creatures, but most are typical beasts. The humans can handle the regular ones while we deal with the real threats. I’ll handle the second mechanical beast."

Leonidas nodded, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. "Follow my lead. If we’re unable to push through, this could be the end for all of us."

Rina's eyes gleamed with determination. "We’ve faced worse before. We’ll succeed."

Meanwhile, Gustavo barked orders at his remaining men, desperation creeping into his voice. "What are you all waiting for? Defeat them!"

A subtle shift had taken place in Gustavo’s mindset. Once dismissive of the demi-humans, he now recognized that the mutant beasts were a far more dangerous and relentless threat, killing without mercy. His previous disdain for demi-humans had been replaced by an unsettling realization: they were now fighting together for survival.

Leonidas, still focused on the battle, shot Gustavo a warning look. "I suggest you stay quiet. Provoking the beasts will only make things worse."

Rina grinning, "Let him. We’ll emerge victorious, and those beasts will make a fine meal."

Leonidas growled, disapproving of her recklessness. "Those creatures are toxic. We wouldn’t need to gather food if we could eat them."

The battle raged on. Two of the mechanical beasts provided long-range cover for the mutant pack, their cannon-like appendages firing into the ranks of the demi-humans. Nina and Rina expertly dodged the blasts, working together to bait the creatures while the rest of the group handled the other mutants. Leonidas engaged the leader of the pack—a towering beast with mechanical enhancements that gave it incredible speed and strength.

The fight was brutal. The leader’s agility and power were almost too much for even Leonidas, but with every clash of claw and steel, he held his ground, landing several powerful strikes that tore into the beast’s flesh. Yet, the mechanical components seemed to regenerate rapidly, repairing the damage as the battle wore on.

Amid the chaos, Gustavo, summoning what strength he had left, moved to help Leonidas. But before he could intervene, the demi-human chief blocked his path.

Leonidas with a scolding tone "Leave. We can handle this."

Gustavo holding his ground with the little strength he holds, replied "The others are out of action, and you’re about to be defeated."

Leonidas confident when holding the beast in place, "I’m not worried. I can take care of myself. Focus on getting your people out of here."

Gustavo replied, "We don’t want any debts with your kind."

Leonidas’ eyes narrowed. "Then why attack us? We only took what we needed. We weren’t looking for trouble. If you had let us take what we came for, none of this would’ve happened."

Gustavo gritted his teeth, "We can’t let our town starve. Something’s coming... something worse."

Leonidas’ tone shifted, a mixture of frustration and pity. "Do you see the desolation around us? The land is dying. The plants are withering. Beasts grow stronger, while animals are vanishing. We have no choice but to steal or sell what we can, even our bodies, just to survive."

Gustavo aghast, "Selling your bodies?"

Leonidas focusing in the battle  struggle to gain moments to give his points, "Not us—yet. But the women… they fetch a high price. It’s a grim reality."

For a moment, the fight seemed to pause, as Leonidas’ words hit Gustavo with a harsh truth. Leonidas, usually focused only on survival, appealed to Gustavo’s sense of morality, sharing the desperation that plagued their people.

Leonidas "We are on the brink of extinction. If humans knew our plight, maybe—just maybe—you could help us. We don’t ask for much. Refuge. Food. In exchange, we’ll contribute however we can."

The tension between Gustavo and Leonidas was palpable, a fragile balance of distrust and necessity. Gustavo’s voice trembled slightly, betraying the uncertainty gnawing at him. "We can provide a small share… but our resources are scarce, too. Our own people are suffering."

Leonidas, sensing the hesitation but refusing to waver, stepped forward, his eyes burning with a quiet resolve. In the chaos of battle, his voice cut through the noise like a blade. "We’re not asking for charity, Gustavo. Just enough to keep us alive. There are fewer of us than you think, scattered in the arid lands, barely surviving. There’s no reason for us to be enemies."

For a long moment, Gustavo remained silent, the weight of the situation settling over him like a shroud. He had seen the desert, felt its unforgiving heat and the desolation it brought. He knew the beasts ravaging the land didn’t distinguish between human or demi-human; the threat was to everyone. And yet, doubt lingered in his heart.

“Why are you telling me this?” Gustavo asked, his voice softer now, laced with an unease that went beyond the immediate danger.

Leonidas met his gaze, his expression unyielding yet filled with a deeper understanding. “Because no one else will listen. The world is changing, Gustavo. If we don’t help each other, none of us will survive.”

As their words hung heavy in the air, the battle surged back with renewed intensity. Mutant beasts stormed the battlefield once more, their monstrous forms a horrifying reminder of the fragile alliance that had yet to truly form. With one last glance at Leonidas, Gustavo steeled himself. Like it or not, their fates were now entwined.

Later, in a brief respite between the skirmishes, Gustavo turned toward Leonidas with lingering suspicion. “Is this your band's first encounter with our town? It seems as though your companions would rather flee than lend a hand in our time of crisis.”

Leonidas remained calm, though the fire in his eyes had not dimmed. “Just as humans fear us, our kind harbors the same apprehension. The cat-and-mouse games between our peoples have often ended in bloodshed. I can’t blame them for their caution.”

As the two men exchanged words, side by side, their differences seemed to blur in the face of the monstrous threat looming over them. In the heat of the battle, an unspoken understanding began to take root—a reluctant bond born not of trust, but of survival.

Leonidas offered silent, unwavering support as Gustavo’s defenses faltered. Meanwhile, fierce warriors Nina and Rina fought valiantly at the gates, their lithe forms dancing amidst the carnage. But even their strength had limits, and their ammunition dwindled with every shot.

Rina called out, her voice sharp with exhaustion, “The beasts are weakening! Time to end this, Chief!”

Nina’s gaze was focused on the fray, her lips pressed into a grim line. “Agreed, but Leonidas is in the thick of it. He’s at risk.”

Rina snorted, her confidence unwavering. “He’ll be fine. Focus on finishing the fight.”

Despite their differences in approach, both women were in perfect harmony—synchronized in battle, a deadly force. Trained in the art of ninjutsu, their movements were as fluid as water, as lethal as a blade. They struck with precision, their voluptuous forms belying the deadly power they wielded.

As the final blow came, both Nina and Rina simultaneously struck the towering beast down. The creature’s agonized cry echoed across the battlefield, a sound of pure, primal defeat.

Gustavo, breathless and drenched in sweat, watched in astonishment. “What… what was that?”

Leonidas, standing tall amidst the fallen, addressed his people. His voice carried with it the weight of a leader who had faced endless trials, his gaze ever-watchful over his adopted daughter, Nina, and his loyal comrades. The battlefield was drenched in blood, but the ferocity in Leonidas’ eyes had not diminished.

As the battle wore on, Leonidas grappled with the remaining beasts, his muscles straining as he held them at bay with sheer force of will. The monsters fought with savage intensity, but even they could not withstand the combined efforts of humans and demi-humans alike. Nina and Rina struck with precision, targeting the creatures’ weaknesses, while Gustavo’s troops rallied behind them, fueled by a desperate need to survive.

In the final, desperate moments, a unified strike pierced the beast’s underbelly, bringing it crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar. The battlefield fell silent, save for the ragged breaths of those who remained standing.

As the dust settled, the fragile alliance between Gustavo’s people and Leonidas’ tribe stood strong, forged in blood and necessity. Yet, beneath the surface, tensions still simmered, and both sides knew that peace would be as fragile as glass.

As the aftermath of the battle settled, the warriors scattered across the camp, tending to their wounds and collecting supplies. Rina wrinkled her nose at the steaming carcass of the beast they had felled. “Eww! It’s already going bad. This meat doesn’t look good either. I’m not sure why we even bothered trying to cook it.”

Ninaies glanced at her companion, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t know how you still think we can make something edible out of these creatures. They’re unnatural. Nothing about them should be consumed.”

Leonidas, standing nearby, let out a hearty laugh. “You two, always full of spirit. You make this old man proud! But,” he added, his tone growing serious, “now there’s something important to discuss.”

Gustavo, who had been watching the exchange, stepped forward, his voice thick with a reluctant admiration. “I have to admit, if it weren’t for you, those beasts would have been more than just a problem. We could’ve lost civilians… even hunters.”

Leonidas nodded, his gaze solemn. “We only want to survive. We don’t seek harm for others, Gustavo. We know suffering too well.”

The two leaders veered away from the group, their conversation private in nature but not hidden. Both humans and demihumans alike understood that their future was in the hands of their leaders, though the unspoken tension still lingered, heavy in the air.

As Leonidas and Gustavo walked away, Rina hummed a tune from her youth, a lighthearted melody that seemed out of place amidst the bloodied battlefield. She playfully danced in a circle, her fingers tracing patterns in the air, oblivious to the solemnity around her. Nina stood nearby, watching her with a mixture of affection and amusement.

“You and I, we’re so alike,” Rina said suddenly, twirling towards Nina, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Nina raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Alike? I can’t imagine how. You’re always so cheerful, even in times like this. I don’t know how you do it.”

Rina grinned, her energy undiminished. “You always see the worst, Nina. Me? I prefer to find the bright side. Even when things are grim.”

Nina’s expression softened as she glanced at her friend. “Rina, I see something in you—a spark that could change the world. You’re capable of so much more than you know.”

Rina’s eyes widened, and she beamed. “You really think so? Then you have to come with me! We can’t do this alone.”

Nina nodded, her tone resolute. “Together, we can achieve anything.”

With a playful glint in her eyes, Rina spun once more. “To the infinite and beyond!” she exclaimed, laughing.

Nina chuckled, shaking her head. “Lead the way, then.”

Back at their encampment, the mood had shifted. Though the victory over the beasts brought a temporary sense of relief, the underlying tensions within the tribe remained unresolved. Rina went about discreetly delivering supplies to her parents, ensuring they were taken care of before returning to the others. Meanwhile, Nina made her way towards the chieftain’s quarters, where her adoptive mother awaited.

It was then that Brayan’s familiar voice rang out, dripping with playful intent. “Ah, Nina, my dear. Fantastic job today. But how about we take this evening to relax? My tent is all set up for a bit of fun… just the two of us.”

Brayan’s body language left little to the imagination, his hips swaying suggestively. Nina glanced at him, unimpressed. A sharp retort was already on her lips.

“Oh, Brayan, why would I waste my time with someone like you?” Nina’s voice was thick with sarcasm. “Besides, that so-called ‘tent’ of yours looks more like a twig ready to collapse at any moment.”

A chorus of laughter erupted from the nearby tribe members at Nina’s sharp retort, the men chuckling at Brayan's expense. Though he winced momentarily, Brayan quickly recovered, flashing her a confident grin. “Always the sharp tongue, Nina. But you and I both know we’re the only ones left in this camp who haven’t... well, indulged in a little extracurricular fun. Aside from the cubs, of course.”

His tone was suggestive, implying that everyone else had already enjoyed such pleasures, leaving only Nina and Rina untouched, as if that fact should make her reconsider her choices.

Nina’s eyes narrowed, but her tone remained playful. “I’m waiting for something real, Brayan. Not a temporary distraction.”

Brayan leaned in closer, his grin growing. “Who’s to say this man you’re holding out for is even alive? Compared to him, I’m a catch. You know how well I can please a lady.”

Unfazed, Nina fired back, her voice filled with sass. “I remember how well you didn’t please Rina the last time you tried something with her. You were walking funny for days.”

More laughter rippled through the camp, Brayan’s face flushing at the reminder. Still, he wasn’t one to give up easily. “You can’t keep living like this, Nina. I take care of my offspring, you know that.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “And I’ll keep waiting. Besides, if he’s dead—which I doubt—I’ll still find someone who cherishes me. Not just for a night, Brayan.”

Frustrated, Brayan threw his hands up. “I don’t understand you two. Rina won’t let any man near her except for Leonidas and her father. And you… you’re the camp’s golden girl, yet you remain untouched.”

Nina’s gaze darkened slightly. “We’re not like the others, Brayan. Rina… she’s been through things that would break most people. She’s seen how cruel men can be. And I’m no more human than you are, but maybe it’s that difference that makes you all look at us the way you do.”

She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Rina was almost violated by men from another tribe. If Leonidas and her father hadn’t saved her, she wouldn’t be here today. That’s why she acts the way she does. She’s not interested in your games. And neither am I.”

Brayan fell silent, his previous bravado crumbling in the face of Nina’s words. The camp quieted, the weight of her revelation settling like a heavy fog. Even the most persistent of them knew better than to push further, at least for tonight.

Brayan, though brushed off repeatedly, still stood determined, his eyes gleaming with persistent arrogance. “You may not see it now, but I’m not one to give up easily. Tonight, we celebrate—plenty of food, my children are content, and one of my partners will join me for the festivities.”

But as he continued, Brayan attempted something far more crass. His hands moved in a furtive gesture, discreetly trying to expose himself to Nina as a twisted means of persuasion. He had barely started when Nina’s eyes flicked down in disgust. Her face hardened, her lip curling in revulsion.

“Why don’t you skedaddle before I make you regret ever opening your mouth?” Nina snapped, her voice icy and sharp as a blade.

Brayan chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. “Oh, I see I’ve caught you off guard. The sight of a man in his full glory has left you intrigued, hasn’t it?”

Nina’s glare deepened, and she raised her voice loud enough for the entire camp to hear. “I said leave! And if you even think about going near Rina, I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your days. I’ll cut off your balls and that pathetic stick of yours and feed them to the beasts.”

Brayan winced at the threat, his bravado faltering for a brief moment. He feigned hurt, shaking his head. “Ouch. Your words are so cold, my dear. But I’ll take my leave... for now.” His tone carried a veiled promise that he’d return with his advances.

Nina watched him disappear, a shiver of disgust rolling down her spine. She quickly sought out Rina, knowing that her friend would help her shake off the uncomfortable encounter. Rina, always a pillar of strength, had proven herself time and time again. Together, they were unstoppable, and Nina drew solace in that thought.

Later that night, Leonidas approached Nina, his expression serious but warm. “How did it go today, Nina?”

She shrugged, her tone casual but tinged with concern. “It was... typical. Brayan being Brayan, but the village seems to be in a strange mood. They’re struggling, but they’re content for now.”

Leonidas nodded thoughtfully. “Good. It’s time for us to act, Nina. The world is changing, and we need to be the ones driving that change. We can’t continue living as thieves or victims of human prejudice.”

Nina agreed. “I’ve seen the way humans look at us—some with fear, some with curiosity, and others with something more dangerous. It’s like they can’t decide whether to trust us or covet us.”

Just then, Chimara, Nina’s adoptive mother, entered the conversation. She was a towering lioness of a woman, her physique as impressive as Leonidas’, with an aura of command that rivaled his. Chimara’s eyes flickered toward Nina, a knowing smile on her lips. “I saw you speaking with that fool again,” she remarked. “Brayan never seems to give up, does he?”

 

Leonidas gestured to his wife, inviting her to join them. “Come, Chimara. There’s much to discuss.”

Chimara kissed Leonidas in greeting before settling beside him. Her gaze swept over the camp, taking in the subdued revelry of the night. “So, what’s the plan?” she asked, always direct.

Leonidas leaned forward, his voice taking on a weightier tone. “The raid went well, but the real challenge is ahead. We need to establish territory—secure a place for our people where we’re not just surviving but thriving. I’ve made contact with the humans. Surprisingly, they seem open to cooperation.”

Chimara raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Cooperation? From humans? That’s new. How do you plan to ensure they don’t turn on us?”

Leonidas spoke carefully. “The humans are afraid, Chimara. They’ve been fighting beasts for so long, they don’t know who their real enemies are anymore. They’re desperate for allies, even if those allies look like us. As for the demihumans, some will join us. Those that don’t... won’t be a problem.”

Chimara considered this, her sharp mind already racing through the possibilities. “And what about the ones who are hostile? Not all demihumans are friendly.”

Leonidas sighed, his expression hardening. “We’ll deal with them as necessary. The key is building a foundation strong enough that no one dares challenge us.”

Nina, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “Why are the humans so afraid of us? I know there are demihumans out there who would cause harm, but we’ve proven ourselves time and again.”

Leonidas’ voice grew somber as he recounted the painful truth. “The humans remember a time when they and demihumans lived peacefully, before the mutant beasts came. But when the beasts arrived, many humans associated our kind with them—fearful of our strength, our differences. Over the years, that fear has only grown as the beasts ravaged the land.”

Chimara nodded, her face clouded with understanding. “They fear that we’ll turn on them just as the beasts did.”

“Exactly,” Leonidas replied. “But their fear also makes them more pliable. If we play this right, we can establish a peaceful settlement, use it as a base, and expand from there.”

The firelight flickered, casting shadows on their faces. Nina couldn’t help but feel a chill at the weight of their conversation. The world was changing, and the future they were building was fragile, teetering on the edge of alliances and betrayals.

Whatever the coming days brought—whether cooperation with humans or conflict with hostile demihumans—Nina knew that she and Rina would face it together, just as they always had. The world was on the brink of change, and they would be the ones to shape it.

Leonidas’s words hung heavy in the air, filled with a somber realism that was difficult to swallow. His gaze was steady, unwavering, but there was no denying the weight of the truth he spoke.

“There are indeed malevolent demihumans amongst us,” he began, his voice low but firm. “Given the chance, they would harm humans without hesitation. It’s the shadow we cannot shake, no matter how many of us strive for peace. The past has scarred the humans deeply, leaving them with little trust and even less forgiveness.”

Chimara’s brow furrowed as she grappled with the dilemma, her hands clenching in frustration. “So... does that mean forming an alliance with them is out of the question? Are we doomed to repeat the cycle of fear and mistrust?”

Leonidas looked at her, his resolve hardening. “No. The path ahead is treacherous, yes, but it is not impossible. In fact, it is the only way forward. Success lies in cooperation, in mutual assistance. We must band together—demihuman and human alike. If we don’t, then everything we’ve fought for will crumble.”

Nina’s voice, quiet but full of trepidation, broke through the silence. “But what of the dangers we might face? Humans, beasts... even our own kind could turn against us.”

Leonidas turned to her, the glimmer of hope still alive in his eyes. “The dangers are real, Nina, but inaction is not an option. We can’t remain in the wilderness, living like scavengers, resorting to theft and surviving on scraps. Change is inevitable. And if we don’t move with it, we will be swept away. The world is evolving, and the humans won’t wait for us. If we hesitate, we lose everything.”

Chimara’s eyes met his, and though she knew the truth in his words, the gravity of their situation weighed heavily on her. “So, it falls to you to speak with the other chieftains. The challenge isn’t just here in our camp. The neighboring villages, the towns—they all need to be aligned with this vision, or it will fail before it even begins.”

Leonidas scanned the faces of his comrades, his determination shining through the shadows cast by the setting sun. “It will be a challenge,” he said, his voice firm, “but we are stronger than they are. And we’ve waited long enough for change. Now is the time.”

Chimara nodded, though her expression remained somber. “It’s going to be a hard road, but I believe we have what it takes. You are the one who should lead these conversations, Leonidas. The others will follow your strength.”

Leonidas smiled at her, his confidence unshaken. “Speaking with the chieftains won’t be the issue. It’s the humans that will test us.”

Nina, curiosity piqued, leaned forward. “Are humans really that formidable? We have strength, we have numbers, and they fear us.”

Leonidas’s tone shifted, growing more serious, more reflective. “Do not underestimate them. Humans have hunters, elites who operate beyond the level of mere soldiers. Their ranks range from class A to class S. There are legends among their ranks—the immortal warrior, the impenetrable wall. I’ve never faced them myself, but the stories... they are enough to make even our strongest warriors hesitate. Those two alone could decimate entire tribes.”

Chimara’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise in her gaze. “And there’s more than one of them?”

Leonidas nodded slowly, his gaze distant as if he could see the looming threat beyond the horizon. “At least two, yes. But there are whispers of a third, a figure cloaked in mystery, lurking beyond the great walls. The most fertile lands fall within their territory, and they guard it fiercely. Their power... it knows no bounds.”

Nina’s heart pounded as the weight of the task before them began to settle in her mind. “To think we might face such powerful enemies... we must tread carefully.”

Leonidas turned toward her, a reassuring smile breaking through his grim demeanor. “Do not fear, Nina. We have the advantage right now. The humans are cautious, yes, but they have not truly turned hostile toward us. They’ve never attacked a demihuman settlement unprovoked. If anything, it’s our kind who have made the first mistakes in the past. We must be careful not to repeat them.”

Chimara’s voice, though calmer now, carried a note of lingering concern. “Let’s hope they continue to maintain that fear. It could work to our benefit if we can find allies among them.”

Leonidas nodded. “We already have a network of support from other villages. If the worst comes to pass, we will rely on our fighters, as we always have.”

Nina stood up then, the weight of the conversation settling on her shoulders. “I should go. Nightfall is approaching, and Rina will grow worried.”

Leonidas placed a hand on her arm, his grip firm but warm. “Inform everyone of the plan.”

Chimara, her voice softer now, added, “Stay safe, Nina.”

Nina gave them both a reassuring smile. “Always. Farewell.”

As she stepped into the fading light of the day, the glow of the bonfire greeted her, illuminating the village. The flames danced across the faces of her fellow demihumans, their children laughing and playing nearby, oblivious to the weighty decisions being made. There was a serenity in the scene, a fragile peace that Nina knew could shatter at any moment. And yet, there was also purpose—a sense of unity, of shared destiny.

Behind her, Chimara watched, a sigh escaping her lips. Leonidas, ever attuned to his wife’s emotions, noticed the hint of sadness in her eyes. He moved closer, wrapping an arm around her.

“Our little girl is growing up,” Chimara murmured, her voice filled with both pride and melancholy. “I can’t believe she’s already reached adulthood. She’s so strong, so beautiful... like a goddess in our midst. And yet...” Her voice faltered for a moment, as if voicing the thought would make it more real. “It’s a shame she’s not interested in men.”

Leonidas chuckled softly, his hand gently stroking her arm. “Nina is her own person, Chimara. She’s fierce, independent, and focused. Love will come to her in its own time, if that’s what she desires. For now, she’s chasing something greater—her purpose, her place in this world.”

Chimara smiled, though the worry in her eyes didn’t fade completely. “I know. But sometimes I wonder if she’ll ever let herself find happiness beyond duty. She carries so much on her shoulders... I just hope she finds peace, whatever path she chooses.”

Leonidas kissed her temple, his voice full of quiet conviction. “She will. She’s stronger than even she knows. And whatever comes, we’ll stand beside her.”

Together, they watched the firelight flicker in the distance, a silent vow passing between them that no matter how uncertain the future was, they would face it as a family—strong, united, and unyielding.

Leonidas’s gaze grew distant as he mulled over Chimara’s revelation, the flickering firelight reflecting in his eyes. His earlier confidence turned contemplative, the weight of a deeper truth settling on him. His hand gently traced along Chimara’s arm as he spoke, his voice low and filled with a cautious pride.

“Yes, it is strange,” Leonidas began, his tone carrying an undercurrent of wonder. “To see her still so pure, so untouched by the desires that usually consume others by adulthood. Nina is different—there’s no denying that. She doesn’t seem to have any interest in males, except for this lingering attachment to a human from her past.”

There was a quiet pride in Leonidas’s voice, an odd mixture of admiration and confusion, as if he was proud of Nina’s detachment but perplexed by it at the same time. He continued, his voice firm and thoughtful. “Do you think it has something to do with our heritage? The way we raised her?”

Chimara’s brow furrowed, her thoughts mirroring her husband’s. “Perhaps. Both Nina and Rina are beautiful—more than any other females in the camp—but neither has shown any interest in men. It’s unusual... I don’t know why.”

Leonidas sighed softly, his eyes softening as his thoughts turned to Rina. “Rina hasn’t been the same since that day,” he said quietly. “Before her first spring, they tried to take her by force. Since then, she’s closed herself off to any attention from men. She’s stunning, her body... desirable to many of the males here, but none of them would dare approach her. And yet, when I look at her, I only see the child I rescued.”

Chimara didn’t hear lust or longing in her husband’s voice—only tenderness and the deep, protective love of a father. She felt a swell of pride in her heart as she looked at him, her strong, noble mate. “You see them both as children,” she said softly. “But what of Nina?”

Leonidas’s expression shifted, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Nina is special. Everyone in the camp sees her as our ‘hairless cub,’ but we’ve never hidden the truth. She’s human, raised by our people. She carries no demihuman blood... and yet, she’s one of us.”

Chimara’s concern deepened, her voice trembling slightly as she voiced the thoughts that had gnawed at her. “That’s what worries me, Leonidas. She’s human. As much as she is our child, she doesn’t share our nature. Sometimes I feel... sorry for her, being raised among us, always feeling different.”

Leonidas met Chimara’s eyes, his voice steady and reassuring. “She’s more than just human. She’s a warrior. She’s proved that time and time again. Her abilities go beyond what any normal human could achieve. I feel it in my bones—there’s something in her, a gift.”

Chimara’s gaze softened, and a small smile of understanding played on her lips. “I know she sees us as her parents, despite the faint memories she has of her past life in that human town. It’s clear she’s content with us. You saved her, after all—just in time.”

Leonidas nodded, a distant look of remembrance crossing his face. “I couldn’t let her die. When I found her, she was alone, terrified. There was something about her that called to me, something I couldn’t ignore.”

Chimara’s expression grew solemn. “And yet, she still holds a grudge against humans for the way they’ve treated us. She often tells me about her ‘true love,’ the boy she left behind in her old village, before you found her.”

Leonidas chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Ah, that boy... I doubt he matters to her now. She has you and me to look after. But there is something curious about her story. She claims a pack of beasts attacked her town, but when I found her, she was in the middle of the Arid Zone—dozens of kilometers away from any human settlement.”

Chimara’s face tensed as she listened. “How could that be? Was it the river? Could it have carried her that far?”

Leonidas’s voice was filled with quiet intensity. “I don’t know. The beasts are relentless, merciless killers. They don’t leave survivors. And yet, there she was—alone, almost untouched by the devastation around her.”

Chimara’s smile was sad, full of a quiet pain she couldn’t express. “Maybe it was a small town...”

But Leonidas shook his head, his voice firm. “No. I’ve seen many small towns, and none of them match her description. There are only four major towns—Star City, the eastern settlements, the wastelands to the west, and the Wall to the south.”

The mention of the Wall surprised Chimara. Her eyes narrowed in thought. “The Wall? What are you suggesting?”

Leonidas leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, a sudden tension thickening the air around them. “I don’t know what happened, Chimara. But I have a feeling that there’s more to Nina than we’ve been led to believe.”

Chimara’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Leonidas hesitated for a moment, then spoke carefully, as though revealing a secret long held in the shadows. “What if she’s not just human?”

Chimara blinked, her voice sharp with disbelief. “What?”

Leonidas continued, his voice low and serious. “I’ve been thinking. What if she’s... a half-blood? Like Rina. We don’t talk about them, but they exist—those with human and demihuman blood. Maybe that’s why she’s so different. Why she seems to belong to both worlds, and yet neither.”

Chimara shook her head, still processing. “She’s a hairless pup, Leonidas. You’ve seen her. She’s human.”

Leonidas’s lips curled into an amused smile, his eyes glinting with something close to mischief. “Perhaps... perhaps not. But if she is a half-blood, it is our duty to protect her. To keep her safe from those who would harm her for it.”

Chimara considered his words, a sudden realization flashing through her mind. “Wait... that would explain everything! Her clothes, when we found her... I remember now. There was a badge—a crest. I thought it was strange at the time, but I didn’t think much of it. It was similar to what the hunters and nobility wear.”

Leonidas’s eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering in his expression. “I didn’t know about this. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Chimara shook her head, her tone full of regret. “It didn’t seem important back then. Her clothes were in tatters, and I replaced them. But that crest... it’s been in the back of my mind ever since.”

Leonidas exhaled slowly, the puzzle pieces clicking into place. “So, she’s not just different because she’s human. She’s different because she’s noble.”

Chimara nodded, her voice filled with certainty. “Exactly. That would explain her strength, her abilities... and why she’s always seemed so out of place.”

Leonidas’s gaze softened, a deep tenderness filling his voice as he spoke. “No matter where she came from, noble or not, she’s ours. And we’ll protect her, just as we always have.”

Chimara smiled, her heart swelling with pride and love. “Yes, we will. No matter what.”

Leonidas sat in silence for a moment, his expression contemplative as he processed Chimara’s words. Finally, he spoke, his tone laced with the weight of uncertainty. “And what does it mean?”

Chimara thought carefully before responding, her voice steady. “I’m not entirely sure, but if Nina is noble, it means she is someone important. It complicates things.”

Leonidas shook his head in disbelief, his voice filled with a quiet frustration. “Exactly. Human nobles are as precious to them as chieftains are to us. I can’t imagine they’d leave one behind unless the attack was so devastating they couldn’t save her. Maybe... everyone else died.”

Chimara’s face softened with concern. “If that’s true, we must protect her. She’s valuable, and we can’t let anyone know she’s noble. You know how humans feel about us—if they find out, they may try to capture her... or worse, take her away from us.”

Leonidas’s gaze grew distant as he considered the possibility. “But we can’t force her to stay. If she finds out something about her family, or that boy she’s always talking about, we’ll have to let her go. I know she’s all we have, but we can’t be selfish. She deserves to know the truth, if there is any to find.”

Chimara frowned, her worry deepening. “It’s strange, though. If her family was noble, why didn’t anyone come for her? The only reason she survived must be because someone saved her. Perhaps it wasn’t just luck.”

Leonidas nodded slowly. “True. But whoever saved her… if they’re still out there, we may never know. She was alone when I found her.”

Chimara’s voice softened with sadness. “She’s so young, and yet she’s been through so much already.”

Leonidas leaned back, his tone reflective. “It would explain a lot. If she is noble, loved by a family who couldn’t save her in time… it makes sense why she clings to memories of that boy.”

Chimara glanced at him, curious. “What do you mean?”

A gentle smile crept across Leonidas’s face. “I mean, if someone saved her, it must have been out of love. She’s mentioned that boy many times—maybe he’s connected to that. But in all honesty, I don’t think that boy matters much now. She has us. She has you, me, and Rina.”

Chimara smiled softly, but concern lingered in her eyes. “That’s true. Still, I wonder if she’ll ever move on from those memories.”

Leonidas’s tone grew more thoughtful, laced with a touch of affection. “Perhaps. Humans, like us, often hold onto their first loves. It’s something we share—a common thread between our people.”

Chimara nodded knowingly. “Yes, first loves are significant. You are mine, after all. My one and only.”

Leonidas reached out, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. “And you are mine, always.”

Chimara looked up at him, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I still remember the day we met like it was yesterday. We were so young. I had just turned eleven, and you were twelve.”

Leonidas chuckled, a warmth in his eyes. “It was a fateful day, wasn’t it? And look at us now. Maybe Nina will find her way back to that kind of love, or maybe she’ll remain single. I don’t want that for her, though. I want her to experience the joy we have.”

Chimara sighed, her voice filled with quiet longing. “I hope she does. I want grandkids.”

As Leonidas laughed softly, Rina stood nearby, overhearing their conversation. The news of Nina’s past stirred something within her, and she began to wonder whether she should help Nina find her family or her lost lover. If Nina chose to leave the tribe, Rina knew she would follow her without hesitation. The bond they shared was too strong to be broken by distance.

Leaving the scene, Rina made her way to the hut she shared with Nina. Upon entering, she pulled Nina into a warm embrace, holding her tightly.

Nina squirmed a little, laughing. “What’s on your mind?”

Rina smiled, releasing her hold. “Nothing, really. I just felt like hugging you.”

Nina shook her head with a grin. “Okay, okay. Not so tight, though—I could barely breathe.”

“Sorry,” Rina chuckled, her affection clear. “I forget my strength sometimes.”

Nina smiled warmly at her. “You’re the strongest one here, so I’m not surprised. But seriously, it’s fine. Just don’t crush me.”

Rina’s laughter echoed through the small hut, her playful mood a sharp contrast to the heavy reality of their lives. “Some of the males in the tribe think they can handle my strength. They keep making advances, fascinated by humans… or, at least, by us. It’s exhausting,” she sighed, the weight of unwanted attention clear in her voice.

Nina’s eyes glimmered with a knowing spark, an edge of mischief in her smile. “Yeah, I’ve noticed it too. We’re treated like some strange curiosity.”

They both chuckled, but beneath the humor was a shared understanding of the truth: their hairless appearance, so rare among demihumans, made them the center of a disturbing kind of fascination.

Rina tilted her head thoughtfully. “It’s strange. I mean, I only have my tail, ears, and this raccoon mask, but I’m practically hairless, like you. It’s like being human is some kind of forbidden fruit for them.” Her voice carried a note of frustration. “Even though we look different from them, it’s almost like that’s why they’re obsessed.”

Nina let out a bitter laugh, the sound catching in her throat. “Well, you know how it is. Some males don’t think much beyond what’s below their belt. Look at Brayan, always prowling around with his eyes on us. Some girls might find that appealing, but it’s disgusting how they treat us like objects just because we don’t look like them.”

Rina nodded, her expression darkening. “It’s not just the fascination, though, is it? We’re taboo to them. Hairless cubs like us… we don’t fit. We’re too human-looking for them to accept, but we’re different enough to spark their obsession. It’s almost like they hate what they desire.”

Nina’s eyes grew somber as she considered the weight of Rina’s words. “I know. We’re caught between worlds—neither fully human nor fully demihuman. I’ve heard some tribes hate the hairless cubs, see them as impure. But then there are others who are fascinated, like we’re something forbidden.”

Rina's voice dropped, a haunted tone entering her words. “That’s why they tried to take me, you know. The ones who tried to…” She swallowed hard, her eyes flickering with the memory. “They wanted something different, something they could control. Leonidas and Chimara always said it was because I didn’t look like them. I was exotic to them, something to possess.”

Nina reached out, placing a hand gently on Rina’s arm, her own heart aching with empathy. “They’re sick. They didn’t see you for who you are—just something they wanted to claim. I can’t believe they would… that they thought they had the right.”

Rina’s gaze softened at Nina’s touch, but the pain lingered in her eyes. “I think about it sometimes. How if Leonidas and my father hadn’t come in time…” She trailed off, shaking her head to clear the dark thoughts. “But what scares me more is how common it is. They see us as something they shouldn’t want, but they still want it. It’s twisted.”

Nina clenched her fists, her voice fierce now. “They don’t understand. We’re not just bodies for their amusement or curiosity. You’re strong, Rina—stronger than any of them. And you’re not alone. You have me, and I’m never going to let anyone make you feel less than what you are.”

Rina smiled, though it was a sad smile, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and exhaustion. “I know. And it’s not just me. You deal with it too, Nina. The way they look at you… it’s the same.”

Nina shook her head. “I’ve learned to ignore them, but it still bothers me. They think we’re something to conquer, like we’re here to fulfill some twisted fantasy they have about humans. The fact that we don’t fit into their mold just makes it worse.”

Rina's voice softened. “It’s that difference that both attracts and repels them. I wonder how many other hairless cubs have gone through the same thing, hated for not being like them, desired for that same reason.”

Nina nodded slowly, her thoughts drifting. “It’s a cruel irony. We’re trapped between two worlds, never really belonging to either. And they think we’re the ones who are strange.”

Rina let out a soft sigh, the weight of the conversation settling over them like a heavy fog. “But even with all that, I wouldn’t want to be like them. I wouldn’t want to blend in. There’s something about being different that gives us strength.”

Nina smiled softly, the tension in the air easing slightly. “You’re right. We are stronger because we’ve had to deal with this. And we’ll keep getting stronger. They can stare, they can talk, but they’ll never break us.”

Rina looked at her with a quiet intensity. “I know they won’t. And if you ever find your true love, Nina, I hope he sees you for the incredible person you are, not just for how different you look.”

Nina’s expression softened, a wistful look passing over her face. “I believe he’s out there somewhere, waiting for me. And when I find him, it won’t be because of how I look. It’ll be because he understands me… because he sees me, not just the surface.”

Rina smiled gently, pulling Nina into another embrace—this one softer, more comforting. “And until then, you have me. We’ll face whatever comes, side by side.”

Nina leaned into the hug, closing her eyes for a moment, grateful for the bond they shared. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As they sat together in the quiet of their shared space, the world outside felt distant, the judgment and the whispers of the tribe irrelevant in the face of their friendship.

Ninaies spoke with a gentle certainty, her voice steady as if she was confessing a long-held truth. “You’re not obligated to feel anything for them, Rina. Just ignore their advances. I’ve always believed that my true love is out there, searching for me. I know he’ll find me, even if I don’t go looking for him. It’s more than just love—it’s a sense of duty, a commitment to remain faithful to him alone. It’s almost like an obligation, but a pleasurable one.”

Rina, ever the playful spirit, flashed a mischievous smile. “So, I’m sexy to you? I didn’t know you were like that,” she teased, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Ninaies laughed, shaking her head. “Yes, but only to my love. Besides, it’s not really cheating if we both end up sharing the same man.”

Rina giggled at the thought. “You know, maybe we could. If he’s as good as you make him sound, I wouldn’t mind sharing. After all, many of the others in the tribe have multiple wives.”

Ninaies considered it for a moment. “I guess I’ve never really thought about that before.”

Rina’s eyes sparkled with humor. “Well, it’s not like we can ask him directly, now can we?”

Ninaies smiled. “True, but who knows? We might be able to try one day.”

A moment of quiet settled between them, and Rina, her tone shifting to something more reflective, asked, “Have you ever thought about what life would be like if your parents were still alive?”

Ninaies’s expression softened, her thoughts drifting back to the life she could have had. “Oh, all the time. I imagine I’d be happily married by now, with a couple of little ones running around.”

Rina grinned, her playful nature returning. “With our future husband? What do you think he’s doing right now? Do you think he’s thinking about us?”

Ninaies’s eyes grew dreamy, her voice light. “Oh, I’m sure of it. He’s probably a family man—married, with children already. Maybe he’s a knight or someone with a noble profession, looking after his family. They’re probably flourishing, content, waiting for the moment when our paths cross.”

Rina chuckled. “A true family man and a brave hero to boot! What a catch.”

As the night deepened, a sense of peace settled over them. Ninaies stretched, feeling the weight of the day pulling her towards rest. “It’s getting late, Rina. Let’s retire for the night. Come, lay down beside me.”

Rina smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a deep affection. “Of course. I’ll never leave you, Ninaies. Where you go, I go.”

Ninaies, touched by her words, whispered softly, “I love you.”

Rina blushed at the sincerity in her friend’s voice. “I love you too,” she replied, her tone equally soft.

The two embraced, the warmth of Ninaies’s body radiating into Rina’s. The embrace was more than just a physical gesture; it was a reflection of their bond—a love that ran deeper than friendship, a connection as strong as that of sisters, bound by loyalty and affection. As they held each other, the weight of the world seemed to disappear, leaving only the comfort of their closeness.

Together, they drifted off to sleep, their breaths syncing, hearts at ease. And in the quiet of the night, the bond they shared grew even stronger, the love between them unspoken but undeniable, enduring like the stars that watched over them.