"You smell strong," one of the wolfkin women said to Elyon, leaning in very close.
"And dangerous," another added.
"That darkness around you," a third purred, "very attractive."
Elyon smiled stiffly. "You flatter me."
"You would make a perfect husband," one declared confidently.
Elyon nearly choked on his drink. "Ah… I appreciate the compliment, but—"
"Strong males should not be wasted," another interrupted.
The wolfkin elder chuckled. "Careful, boy. In our tribe, compliments are serious."
Elyon glanced helplessly toward Lin Mu.
Lin Mu took a sip of mead and looked away.
Cattaleya, watching from nearby, burst out laughing. "You're on your own."
The feast continued long into the night, filled with laughter, shared drinks, cultural misunderstandings, and more than a few jokes at Elyon's expense.
For the first time since entering the rainforest, Lin Mu felt no tension at all.
Only warmth.
