"Is there someone home? Warrior Hu Yan... Witch Doctor Qinglan?"
The echo of a new voice drifted through the treehouse, barely giving the family enough time to settle after the Tribe Leader's departure.
The cubs, sensing a new presence, became restless in Su Qinglan's arms. Their tiny ears twitched, and they squirmed with a newfound curiosity to meet whoever was at the door.
"Hu Yan, see who has come," Su Qinglan urged, motioning for him to check. The voice was unfamiliar, and she wasn't expecting any guests.
"Hmm... Lan Lan," Hu Yan grunted. He placed the cubs back into her arms, though they tried to cling to his fur, and walked toward the entrance. His expression froze the moment he stepped outside.
"What do you need?" he asked, his voice casual but his jaw gritting so hard his teeth nearly cracked.
Shen Lu stood there, wearing his most dazzling smile, though he felt incredibly stiff.
