After a few days, Sorin entered the tent with a bright smile. His expression alone was enough to lift the mood inside.
"All the cubs have finally transformed," he announced.
Astra's face softened with relief and pride as she heard the news. For days, the young ones had struggled, learning to balance on two legs, training their stiff muscles, and trying to understand their new bodies. It was not an easy process, but they were finally beginning to adapt.
Ardis felt a flutter of excitement in her chest. She imagined their faces, their new forms, and the changes they must have gone through.Do they all look the same? Or are they completely different now? she wondered, her tail swaying slightly with curiosity.
Seeing her joy, Astra smiled and said gently, "Your transformation time is coming soon too."
Ardis blinked in surprise, her heart racing at the thought.
"You can't visit them yet," Sorin added, rubbing Ardis's head. "They need time to adjust."
Ardis nodded, though she still looked longingly toward the direction of the cubs' hut.
Astra slowly stood, one hand resting on her round belly. She had given birth to five tiger cubs one spring ago, and now she carried eagle eggs. Despite the weight and exhaustion, her eyes were warm and steady.
"Let's go for a walk," Astra said softly.
Ardis rose as well. She had grown larger and heavier over the years, her scales thick and strong. She slithered beside Astra, moving carefully so as not to bump her. The sunlight filtered through the trees, warming the cool air.
Varos and Kaeris followed close behind, walking quietly to guard them.
For a moment, everything felt calm. The world was changing, the cubs were growing, and new lives were on the way. Ardis lifted her gaze to the sky, feeling that a new chapter was slowly beginning.
Astra sat on the smooth wooden floor, carefully weaving a flower crown from fresh blossoms. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, twisting the soft stems together while the sweet scent filled the air around her. For a brief moment, she looked peaceful, lost in the simple task.
Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she noticed Mona standing nearby.
Astra lifted her head and smiled lightly. "I see more males around you, but no cubs," she said in a calm, almost teasing tone.
Mona's face twisted for a second before she forced a sweet smile. She stepped forward and placed a hand on her belly. "I prefer quality," she replied just like before, her voice smooth. "And I already carry one."
Astra's smile did not fade. She gently rested a hand over her own stomach. "Which batch is this for you?" she asked. "I'm on my fourth."
Mona hesitated.
"Oh," Astra added, pretending to think, "perhaps this is only your second?" She tilted her head innocently. "I even prayed to the Beast God that our cubs could learn together."
Mona's lips tightened. "It's my third," she snapped. Then, with a sharp swing of her hips, she turned and walked away.
Astra watched her go, her eyes darkening.
She had always been petty and vengeful.
When she first reached adulthood, the one she had chosen was not Sorin, but another fox. Mona, who matured earlier, had forced that fox into a bond, then used him until he died.
That was the first wound Astra never forgot.
It wasn't that Astra had loved that beastman deeply, romantically, at least. But she had known him since childhood. They had grown up running through the same fields, stealing fruit together, and whispering about their dreams. Losing him had left a quiet ache in her heart, not because of love, but because a piece of her past had been stolen.
Astra set those thoughts aside and focused on the flower crowns in front of her. When she finished weaving one, she gently placed it on Ardis's head. The soft petals brushed against Ardis's scales, and she smiled shyly.
The cost of learning separately is that Ardis has never grown close to anyone her age.
As the day ended, everyone returned to the hut. The air smelled of dried grass and fur. Varek was already inside, stretching thick pelts near the fire so they could dry properly. The warmth filled the space, making it feel safe and alive.
By nightfall, everyone had gathered. They sat in a loose circle, eating and talking about the cubs who had finally transformed. There was laughter, teasing, and quiet pride in their voices. Even Ardis listened closely, imagining what they must look like now, standing tall, no longer small and helpless.
Soon, tiredness settled over the group.
Ardis stretched and curled up on her fur bed near the fire. The crackling flames lulled her into sleep.
At first, the dream was warm and gentle.
Then pain crept in.
Her body stiffened suddenly, muscles tightening as if something inside her was pulling apart and reshaping. A sharp tremor ran through her, making her gasp. Her scales felt hot, then cold, then unbearably tight.
Ardis's eyes flew open. The room spun, her vision blurring.
"D–Daddy…" she hissed with all the strength she had left.
Aeron was beside her instantly.
Everyone had woken, drawn by her cry. Fear filled their eyes as they watched Ardis writhe weakly on the bed. Her breathing was uneven, her body trembling.
Seeing her state, Aeron's jaw tightened. He looked to Astra.
Astra nodded slowly, her expression grave. "It is time," she said softly. "We should send her to the snake priestess."
No one argued.
Aeron carefully lifted Ardis into his arms. She felt light, too light, and her body shook against his chest. Ravik and Boris followed closely behind as they rushed into the night.
The path to the Snake Village was dark and cold, lit only by moonlight. The forest seemed to hold its breath as they moved, branches swaying like silent witnesses.
When they reached the village gates, the guards stepped forward, ready to block them,
But the moment they saw Ardis, they froze.
Their expressions softened with understanding. Without a word, they stepped aside and let them pass.
They went straight to the chief's house.
The village chief was roused from sleep and came outside. He took one look at Ardis, and his expression turned serious. Without another word, he turned and went to call Sissira.
Moments later, Sissira emerged.
Her face held both happiness and worry, as if she had been expecting this moment yet still feared it. She rushed forward and guided them into a small, warm room filled with herbs and soft furs.
Ardis was laid gently on a bed.
Her breathing was shallow now, her body still shaking.
Sissira turned to the three beastmen. "You must return," she said firmly.
They hesitated, their eyes never leaving Ardis.
"She is transforming," Sissira continued. "Blessed females have never failed. There is no need for fear."
Reluctantly, Aeron stepped back. His fists were clenched, but he nodded.
"Go now," Sissira said again, waving them toward the door.
As the door closed behind them, she returned to Ardis's side, her hands glowing faintly with soft light.
The transformation had begun.